Earlier this week health officials confirmed a crow tested positive for the West Nile Virus. Now, the
Oakland County Health Division received confirmation from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services of a blood donor testing positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in Oakland County. The American Red Cross consistently tests blood donations for a wide variety of infectious diseases. Recently, mosquito pools and a crow have also tested positive for WNV in Oakland County.
“With so many people enjoying the outdoors this coming Labor Day weekend, it is important that everyone protect themselves from mosquito bites – especially those 50 and older who are more susceptible to severe WNV disease symptoms.” said Kathy Forzley, Health Division manager/health officer. “
Health Division advises the best way to avoid WNV infection is to prevent mosquito bites:
- Use insect repellent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of insect repellents containing active ingredients registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Always follow manufacturer’s directions carefully.
- Be careful using repellant on the hands of children because repellents may irritate their eyes and mouths.
- Wear protective clothing such as long sleeved shirts and pants.
- Limit outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Avoid areas where mosquitoes may be present such as shaded and wooded areas.
- Maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of buildings.
West Nile Virus is a mosquito borne virus spread to humans through the bite of the 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. Physicians are urged to test patients for WNV if they present with fever and signs of meningitis or encephalitis, or sudden painless paralysis.
For up-to-date public health information, visit www.OakGov.com/health or find Public Health Oakland on Facebook and Twitter @publichealthOC.