West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause mild illness (West Nile fever) or severe symptoms (encephalitis or meningitis) in humans and other animals. Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile virus when they feed on infected birds that carry the virus in their blood. People are primarily exposed to West Nile from the bite of a mosquito that is infected with the virus.
Michigan first experienced WNV activity in 2001, when 65 positive birds were identified in 10 counties in the Lower Peninsula. No human or equine cases were detected in Michigan in 2001.
How is West Nile infection prevented?
There is no vaccine for humans available, but there are many steps that you can take to reduce your risk of becoming infected:
- Avoid areas where there are large numbers of mosquitoes and at the times when they are most active, typically around sunrise or sunset.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are in mosquito-filled areas.
- Apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin; spray clothing with repellent because mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Wash repellent off after coming back indoors. Note: Whenever you use an insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the label directions for safe use.
- CAUTION: Do not use DEET repellent on children under 2 months of age.
- Avoid applying repellent to the hands of children because repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth. Visit www.aap.org/family/wnv-jun03.htm for more information about using DEET on children.
- Repair and maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of buildings.
- Limit mosquito breeding sites by draining standing water in your yard. Empty water from flower pots/saucers, clogged gutters, wading pools, swimming pool and patio furniture covers, discarded tires, pails and buckets and other similar items that can collect water. Change the water in birdbaths and horse troughs at least two times a week.
- Cut tall weeds and grass to remove mosquito hiding and resting areas.
Need to report a dead crow, raven or blue jay?
Please call Washtenaw County's West Nile Virus Hotline at: (734) 544-6750.
Citizens may also report to the State of Michigan website: www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases
Positive corvids (crow, raven, blue jay) will be reported to the local units of government.
For more information view the links below:
http://westnile.eWashtenaw.org
www.michigan.gov/westnilevirus
