Midland Co. resident tests positive for West Nile virus

MIDLAND CO., Mich. (WNEM) - A Midland County resident has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), according to the Midland County Department of Public Health.

"WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. People become infected with the virus when mosquitoes feed on infected birds and then bite people. About one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms, which may include headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness such as meningitis - inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord - or encephalitis - inflammation of the brain," said Dr. Catherine Bodnar, medical director for the Midland County Department of Public Health.

She added there is no vaccine and immunity is considered lifelong after infection.

According to the department of health, the most effective way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites. The following are precautions you can take to protect yourself:

Use insect repellent when you go outdoors: Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. Always follow repellent label instructions.

To find a repellent that is right for you, use the EPA's search tool

Cover up: When outdoors, wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants to minimize exposed skin.

Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Once a week, empty and scrub any containers or areas holding water around your home.

Keep mosquitoes outside: Use screens on windows and doors and repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors.

Avoid outdoor activities at peak mosquito times: Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. Try to stay indoors during these times if possible.

Midland County Mosquito Control does perform treatments for mosquito suppression to lessen the risk of WNV.

The department of health said there have been no mosquitoes or birds within the county have have tested positive for WNV so far this season.

Mosquito control said if a Midland County resident find a crow or blue jay that has recently died and doesn't show evidence of trauma, they should call the office at 989-832-8677 to discuss testing for WNV.

These birds are more susceptible to sickness from WNV and often die from the infection, Mosquito control said, adding other bird species can be infected, but usually do not die therefore they are not tested.

For the latest on mosquito-borne illness in Michigan, you can head to the at the Michigan Emerging Diseases website .