An Oakland County man, aged 80, died of West Nile virus – the second death this season in Michigan following mosquito-borne disease, health officials said. # 39; State.

This is the first human death related to West Nile virus in Oakland County since 2015, according to the Oakland County Health Division and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

"This is a tragic reminder of the seriousness of West Nile virus, especially for adults over 50 who are at increased risk of serious illness," said Leigh-Anne Stafford, Health Officer of Oakland County. protect yourself from mosquitoes even when we enter the fall season. "

In August, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that a Wayne County resident had died of complications related to the virus.

Health officials urge residents to take precautions against mosquitoes carrying blood-borne diseases.

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Surveillance of mosquito-borne diseases is conducted by several agencies, including MDHHS, Natural Resources Departments (MDNR) and Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), as well as local health departments.

Most people who contract the virus do not develop symptoms, but some get sick three to fifteen days after exposure. About 20% of those infected develop a mild illness with fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.

About one in every 150 infected people will become seriously ill with symptoms of encephalitis or meningitis, including stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, muscle weakness, convulsions and paralysis.

How to stay safe

Health authorities recommend the following measures to prevent the virus and other mosquito-borne diseases:

• Maintain screening of windows and doors to help keep mosquitoes out.
• Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the house, such as buckets, unused ponds, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs.
• Use nets and / or fans on outdoor dining areas.
• Apply insect repellents containing the active ingredient DEET or other EPA approved product to exposed skin or clothing and always following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you're outside. Apply an insect repellent on clothes to prevent bites.

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