West Nile Virus Found In Oakland County Mosquitoes

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — The first Oakland County mosquito pools in 2018 tested positive for West Nile virus. No confirmed human cases of the virus have occurred in Oakland County this year. Oakland County residents are urged to protect themselves from the threat of West Nile virus by taking necessary precautions.

“West Nile virus is typically detected from June through September,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County Health Division. “The best way to limit the spread of mosquito-borne diseases is preventing mosquito bites.”

Warmer temperatures bring an increase in mosquitoes and exposure to mosquito-borne diseases. Follow these tips to prevent mosquito bites:

-Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent. All EPA-registered insect repellents are evaluated for safety and effectiveness, and will contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol as the active ingredient. Repellents containing a higher percentage of the active ingredient typically provide longer-lasting protection. Always follow the product label instructions.

• Be careful using repellent on the hands of children as it may irritate the eyes and mouth.

-Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water around your home:

• Turn over any type of container that can collect water. Once a week, empty out items that hold water such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, pet bowls, flowerpots, and trash containers.
• Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains.
• Treat standing water that cannot be eliminated, such as retention ponds or drainage ditches, with a mosquito larvicide. Mosquito larvicide is easy to use and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.

-Wear protective clothing such as long sleeved shirts and pants.
-Limit outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
-Maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of buildings. Do not prop open doors.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus. Mosquitoes are infected with the virus by biting an infected bird. The virus is then spread to humans through the bite of the infected mosquito. Most people who are infected with the virus have either no symptoms or experience a mild illness such as fever, headache, and body aches. However, in some individuals, a more serious disease causing inflammation and swelling of the brain can develop. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious and potentially life threatening symptoms of West Nile Virus if they do get sick.

For up-to-date public health information, visit www.oakgov.com/health or follow @publichealthOC on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Nurse on Call is available at 800-848-5533 or noc@oakgov.com, 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.

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