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LANSING, Mich. (WLUC) – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Sanilac County Health Department confirmed the first West Nile virus (WNV) infection in 2018 for the virus transmitted by mosquitoes.
"It's an important reminder to stay alert and protect yourself from mosquito bites throughout the summer and fall," said Dr. Eden Wells, director MDHHS. "Residents should use an insect repellent, drain stagnant water around the house and take extra care during rush hours between dusk and dawn."
Blood donations are badyzed for the West Nile in the shelter of the virus. Positive blood donations for West Nile virus are rejected and are not used for transfusions.
Currently, the donor does not report any disease. Most people infected with West Nile virus will not develop any symptoms. However, some become sick three to 15 days after exposure. About one in five infected people will have mild illness that may include fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rashes. About one in every 150 infected people will become seriously ill. Severe symptoms of WNV are badociated with encephalitis or meningitis and may include stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, muscle weakness, seizures and paralysis. People 60 years of age and older are more susceptible to severe symptoms of WNV.
Bites of Culex pipiens, or northern mosquito, are the leading cause of human infection by WNV in Michigan. Mosquitoes are infected with WNV when they bite an infected bird. Warm weather is favorable to mosquitoes, which shortens the time of their development between the egg and the adult, and the small pools of stagnant water provide the ideal habitat for Culex mosquitoes who lay their eggs. To date, 20 birds and 24 mosquito groups have tested positive for WNV in Michigan. Visit Michigan.gov/westnilevirus to find maps of current WNV activity in Michigan by county.
Residents can stay healthy by using simple and effective strategies to protect themselves and their families. The following steps are recommended to prevent WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases:
• Apply insect repellents containing the active ingredient DEET or other EPA approved products on skin or clothing exposed and always according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants on the outside. Apply an insect repellent on clothing to help prevent bites.
• Keep mosquito nets on windows and doors to keep them out.
• Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the house, such as buckets, unused ponds, old tires, or similar sites where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
For more information and monitoring on West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne viruses, visit Michigan.gov/westnilevirus.
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