Macomb County Reports First 2016 West Nile Virus Case

MACOMB COUNTY, MI — An older Macomb County adult who contracted West Nile virus has the county’s first case of the mosquito-borne illness in 2016, the county health department said Friday.

The individual is recovering, officials said.

In 2015, four cases of West Nile virus were confirmed in Macomb County.

In a news release, the Macomb County Health Department reminded residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites during the remaining warm-weather months.

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Residents for all of Macomb County are reminded to take the following measures to prevent mosquito bites:

• Use an insect repellent that contains DEET or picaridin on clothing and exposed skin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends the use of oil of lemon eucalyptus as a more natural repellent. Manufacturer’s directions should be closely followed when using these products.
• Many mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. Residents should limit outdoor activities, wear pants and long sleeves and use repellent during these hours.
• Areas of standing water such as buckets, flower pots, barrels and kiddie pools should be kept empty when not being used to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs. Change the water regularly in pet dishes and bird baths and keep gutters free of standing water.
• Window and door screens should be in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering buildings.

West Nile virus is a disease transmitted to humans through infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected if they bite a bird infected with the virus.

Many people infected with the virus will not have any symptoms or will experience a mild illness such as body aches, fever and headache. A few people will develop more severe symptoms that could include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).

Those at greatest risk to develop a severe illness include people 50 years and older; those with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, kidney disease or hypertension; and people who have received an organ transplant.