West Nile Virus Is Here: What Should You Do?

Bird baths and other places where standing water collects are ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can become infected with West Nile Virus after biting birds. (Photo via Flickr / Creative Commons)

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The discovery of three nesting crows that died of West Nile Virus has prompted public health and other officials to remind southeast Michigan residents of steps that can be taken to control the spread of the virus, mainly through mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds

West Nile Virus is a virus spread to humans through the bite of a mosquito that is infected with WNV after biting a bird that carries the virus.

Related: West Nile Virus Reported in Southeast Michigan

Most people infected with the virus have either no symptoms or experience a mild illness such as fever, headache, and body aches. However, in some individuals, mostly the elderly, a much more serious disease affecting brain tissue can develop.

To protect yourself:

• Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or other EPA-approved ingredient to exposed skin or clothing, always following the manufacturer’s directions for use.
• Avoid shaded and wooded areas where mosquitoes may be present.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes when outdoors.
• Limit outdoor activity between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

To control the mosquito population:

• Empty standing water from flower pots, pet bowls, clogged rain gutters, swimming pool covers, old tires, buckets, barrels, cans, and similar items where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
• Maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.

Residents are asked to report a sick or dead bird, at the State of Michigan Emerging Disease Issues webpage, michigan.gov/emergingdiseases. Select West Nile Virus, then How to Report a Dead Bird or Mammal.

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a virus spread to humans through the bite of a mosquito that is infected with WNV after biting a bird that carries the virus. Most people infected with WNV have either no symptoms or experience a mild illness such as fever, headache, and body aches. However, in some individuals, mostly the elderly, a much more serious disease affecting brain tissue can develop.