DETROIT (AP) — Michigan is sending half of the 400 ventilators it received from the federal government to Detroit-area hospitals facing a surge of coronavirus patients, the state health department said Wednesday.

The remaining 200 breathing machines will be set aside for seven regions across the state that have fewer COVID-19 patients at this time, said Lynn Sutfin, an agency spokeswoman.

THE LATEST:

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported statewide jumped Wednesday by 1,719 to bring the total count to 9,334 — a 22% increase. Meanwhile, deaths rose by 78 — a 30% increase — to 337.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has identified ventilators as a critical need. Hospitals in Oakland, Macomb and St. Clair counties are due to get 100 ventilators. Another 100 will go to hospitals in Wayne, Washtenaw and Monroe counties.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. Older adults and people with existing health problems are among those particularly susceptible to more severe illness, including pneumonia.

Nearly 150 prisoners and 25 staff members have tested positive at various sites, the state Corrections Department said.

RARE SIDE EFFECT:

Henry Ford Health System reported that it had nearly 600 COVID-19 patients at its five hospitals in southeastern Michigan as of Wednesday morning. It also said a 58-year-old woman with the virus developed a rare form of encephalitis — acute necrotizing encephalitis — a central nervous infection that mostly afflicts children.

Dr. Elissa Fory, a Henry Ford neurologist, said all hospitals need to be aware.

“This complication is as devastating as severe lung disease,” Fory said.

ROADS:

Whitmer said construction projects on state roads will continue as long as contractors think it’s safe. A trade group, the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association, had asked her to deem the work as nonessential. There will be no penalties if work is delayed due to COVID-19 safety measures and smaller crews. Contractors can request that a project be suspended.

HOARDERS BEWARE:

Federal agents pledged to investigate the hoarding of critical medical goods, including face masks, gloves and gowns. U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said he’ll pursue people stashing more than needed or those “trying to rip off” the public by selling products at excessive rates.

Eggert reported from Lansing.

Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak