Older Adults at Special Risk of West Nile Virus: Health Officials

Oakland County residents, especially older adults, are encouraged to protect themselves from the threat of West Nile Virus by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites.

A mosquito pool in Oakland County tested positive for West Nile Virus earlier this month, and West Nile has also been identified in mosquitoes in Saginaw County.

The Oakland County Health Division is continuing to monitor the the spread of the virus, while also reminding residents of ways to prevent the risk of mosquito bites:

• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellant. All EPA-registered insect repellants are evaluated for safety and effectiveness. Always follow the product label instructions.
• Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.
• Avoid areas where mosquitoes may be present.
• Maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of homes and buildings. Do not prop open doors.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water around your home: Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover or throw out items that hold water such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, roof gutters or trash containers.

“All residents are strongly urged to follow prevention tips to protect themselves from WNV, especially people over 60, and those with medical problems, who are the most likely to suffer from the severe form of West Nile Virus and are at the highest risk of death,” Kathy Forzley, manager/health officer of the Oakland County Health Division said in a news release.

NEWSLETTER & REAL-TIME NEWS ALERTS: Get the Top Michigan Headlines from Patch Editor Beth Dalbey

Most people infected with West Nile Virus never showw symptoms, but for those who do become sick, the disease can be serious, even fatal, Forzley said.

[RECIRC}West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne disease spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are infected with the virus have no symptoms or experience a mild illness such as fever, headache and body aches.

However, in some individuals, particularly the elderly, a much more serious disease affecting the brain tissue can develop. Physicians are urged to test patients for WNV if they present with fever, signs of meningitis or encephalitis, or sudden painless paralysis.