LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The primary case of West Nile Virus in Michigan this yr has been detected in Livingston County, the state well being division introduced Friday. The danger of mosquito-borne sickness reaches its peak in August and September, and officers are encouraging you to guard your self.
“It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to cause a severe illness. Use insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors during times when mosquitoes are active,” stated Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical govt. “These precautions are especially important during peak mosquito-biting hours, which are from dusk to dawn.”
This yr, the virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Bay, Kalamazoo, Kent, Macomb, Midland, Saginaw, Tuscola, and Wayne counties. Moreover, Jamestown Canyon Virus was present in Bay, Kalamazoo, Macomb, Ottawa, Saginaw and Washtenaw counties.
West Nile Virus is transmitted by means of the chew of a mosquito that was uncovered to it by ingesting the blood of an contaminated animal. Whereas most who contract the virus don’t fall in poor health, some could start exhibiting signs wherever from two days to 2 weeks after being uncovered.
Signs embody fever, confusion, weak spot, and extreme headache. Extra critical signs embody neurological diseases resembling meningitis and encephalitis.
To keep away from publicity to the virus, officers suggest taking the next precautions:
Dressing in light-colored lengthy pants and long-sleeved shirts whereas outside, in addition to footwear and socks
Utilizing EPA-registered insect repellents on these older than 2 months previous, and masking cribs, strollers, and child carriers with mosquito netting for these youthful than 2 months previous
Making certain doorways and home windows have tight-fitting screens and changing these with tears or rips
Utilizing mattress nets when sleeping outside or with out window screens
Eliminating all sources of standing water close to your private home, which might assist mosquito breeding. This contains hen baths, wading swimming pools, previous tires, and deserted swimming swimming pools.
