Michigan’s West Nile Virus watch: New cases in birds & horses

By Good Info News Wire

September 30, 2024

Michigan reports a rise in West Nile Virus cases among animals. Learn about recent findings, prevention methods, and how to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases.

Recent reports from Michigan health authorities indicate an increase in West Nile Virus (WNV) cases among animals, prompting renewed calls for public vigilance and mosquito bite prevention.

According to a September 27 press release from the Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD), three birds in Eaton County have tested positive for WNV: two American Crows and one Red-tailed Hawk. Additionally, one horse in the same county was confirmed positive earlier in the season.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) states that 67 animal cases and 19 human cases of WNV were reported statewide as of September 20, 2024.

The BEDHD emphasizes that WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases like Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are transmitted to humans and animals through infected mosquito bites. Symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

West Nile Virus: Preventative measures

To reduce the risk of infection, the health department recommends several preventive measures:

Use insect repellent when outdoors
Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants
Treat clothing and outdoor gear with insect repellent
Remove standing water around homes to control mosquito populations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides additional information on WNV treatment and prevention. They note that there is no specific treatment for WNV disease, and clinical management is supportive. Currently, no WNV vaccines are licensed for human use.

The CDC also advises that patients with confirmed WNV infections should not donate blood for 120 days (4 months) after their illness. Community-level mosquito control programs and blood donor screening are crucial in preventing WNV spread.

Stay alert

Michigan residents are encouraged to report sick or dead birds to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources using their “Eyes in the Field” reporting form, as these may indicate the presence of WNV or EEE in a community.

For the most current information on mosquito-borne diseases in Michigan, residents can visit the state’s Emerging Diseases website at michigan.gov/westnile for WNV and michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/home/eastern-equine-encephalitis for EEE.

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The ‘Gander staff.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.