West Nile Virus Detected In Oakland County

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — An Oakland County pool has tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to county health officials. No human cases of the virus have confirmed in Oakland County. But health officials warn that it is prime time for the virus.

“WNV is typically detected from June through September.” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County Health Division. “Prevention is the best way to avoid the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.”
The location of the pool was not immediately release by county officials. West Nile Virus was confirmed in May in Michigan with at least three bids were confirmed infected.

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus, she said. Mosquitoes are infected by biting a bird that carries the virus, and the virus is then spread to humans through the bite of the infected mosquito, health officials said.

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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 - particularly the elderly – a more serious disease causing inflammation and swelling of the brain can develop, Oakland County health officials said in a news release.

Here are some tips to prevent mosquito bites from Oakland County:

• Use insect repellent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of insect repellents containing active ingredients registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Always follow manufacturer’s directions carefully.
• Be careful using repellent on the hands of children because repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth.
• 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.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water that collects in birdbaths, boats, buckets, tires, unused pools, roof gutters and other containers.

Photo by David McNew / Staff / Getty Images News / Getty Images