Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Oakland and Saginaw Counties

It’s the earliest detection of West Nile virus in Michigan in years. It was first detected in Saginaw County back in June and just recently in Oakland County.

"No human cases of the virus have been confirmed in Oakland County this year," Oakland County Health Division manager Kathy Forzley said in a statement Tuesday.

Even though no human cases of the virus have been confirmed yet, you should still be cautious when going outside. Last year, West Nile was blamed for two deaths in Michigan, and an untold number of illnesses.

HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF GETTING WEST NILE VIRUS

There is no vaccine for West Nile Encephalitis. Personal protection is the best way to prevent mosquito-borne disease.

• Use insect repellents. 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). Products that are registered with the EPA that have shown a high degree of effectiveness contain DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or IR3535. Always follow manufacturer’s directions carefully.

• Be careful using repellent on the hands of children because repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors.

• Limit outdoor activity from dusk to dawn and avoid areas where mosquitoes may be present (i.e. shaded and wooded areas).

• Maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of buildings.

•  Empty water from mosquito breeding sites, such as flower pots, pet bowls, clogged rain gutters, swimming pool covers, discarded tires, buckets, barrels, cans, and similar items where mosquitoes can lay eggs.

Source ABC12 and WSJM