Confirmed Case of West Nile Virus in Emmet County
Residents are reminded to protect themselves from mosquitoes
Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is reporting a confirmed human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Emmet County.
WNV is the most common mosquito-spread disease in the continental U.S. It is passed from infected birds to humans through mosquito bites.
Most people infected with WNV do not experience any symptoms. About 1 in 5 infected people may develop symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches. A small group of people, about 1 in 150, could have more severe symptoms including inflammation of the brain or spinal cord. People over 50 years old are at a higher risk of developing more severe symptoms of WNV.
“The confirmation of West Nile virus in Emmet serves as a reminder that mosquito-borne illnesses will continue to be a risk in Michigan until late fall when temperatures consistently fall below freezing,” says Dr. Josh Meyerson, HDNW Medical Director.
There are no medications, treatments or vaccinations to prevent WNV. People who experience more mild symptoms will usually recover on their own, although some symptoms can last for several weeks. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid being bitten by a mosquito.
Protect Yourself
• Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved products, to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites. • Avoid being outside during peak mosquito activity between dusk and dawn.
• Use windows and doors with well-maintained screens.
• Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires, or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
• Use nets and/or fans over outdoor seating areas.
Protect animals
• Put farm animals in the barn during peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn.
• Use an insect repellant on the animals approved for the species.
• Eliminate standing water on your property.
For more information on WNV visit https://www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/home/west-nile. To stay updated on all health-related news, subscribe to our monthly newsletter here. If you're looking for more information about HDNW, call us locally at 800-432-4121 or visit our website at nwhealth.org.
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