OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – West Nile virus has been confirmed in an Oakland County resident, marking the county’s first human case of the virus this year.
There was no travel reported by the resident who contracted the virus, according to Oakland County health officials. No other details about the resident were released due to health privacy laws.
Recommended Videos
“This is an important reminder that West Nile Virus is present in our community,” said Kate Guzman, health officer for Oakland County Health Division. “We strongly encourage residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes until the first hard frost of the year.”
How to prevent West Nile virus
Health officials are urging residents to protect themselves against West Nile virus by:
- Using an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellent, which will contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol as the active ingredient.
- Getting rid of mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water around homes.
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants
- Limiting outdoor activity from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active
- Covering holes in window and door screens
What to know about West Nile virus
West Nile virus is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes contract the virus from infected birds.
People who are infected with the virus typically have no symptoms or have mild illness, including fever, headache and body aches, but in some cases, people can develop potentially life-threatening symptoms, like swelling of the brain.
Health officials say people over 50 are more likely to develop more serious symptoms.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit here.
In addition, people can contact Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. for more information about the virus.