West Nile Virus has been detected in a single sampling of mosquitoes that were recently collected in Macomb County, health officials announced.
This is the first detection of the virus in Macomb County mosquitoes this summer.
No human cases of West Nile Virus have been confirmed, according to a release from the Macomb County Health Department on Thursday, July 3, but health officials are using this detection to remind residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites this summer.
“This discovery by our surveillance team is important because it lets us know that this season’s mosquitoes are now carrying the virus – which could spread to humans,” said Andrew Cox, director/health officer of Macomb County Health and Community Services. “We encourage everyone to take steps to prevent mosquito bites to the greatest extent possible.”
Symptoms of West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Many people who become infected with the virus won’t have any symptoms or will have mild symptoms, including body aches, fever, and headache.
Others may experience serious symptoms, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord).
People who have the greatest risk of developing severe symptoms include those who are 50 years of age and older, have received an organ transplant and people with medical conditions that include diabetes, cancer, kidney disease and hypertension.
For more information about West Nile Virus, visit here.
Preventing mosquito bites
The Macomb County Health Department shared the following tips for preventing mosquito bites this summer:
- Use an insect repellent that contains DEET or picaridin on clothing and exposed skin. The oil of lemon eucalyptus can be used as a more natural repellent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Limit outdoor activities and wear pants and long sleeves from dusk to dawn, which are peak mosquito hours.
- Keep buckets, flowerpots, barrels, children’s pools and other areas with standing water empty when not in use to keep mosquitoes from laying eggs. The water in pet dishes and bird baths should also be changed regularly, and gutters should be kept free of standing water, according to the health department.
- Keep window and door screens in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from getting into homes and buildings.