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Calhoun County, MI - Calhoun County residents are being urged to take precautions against mosquito bites as mosquitos collected in Calhoun County on Wednesday, July 24, have tested positive for West Niles virus (WNV) at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories (MDHHS BOL). These are the first infected mosquitos detected in Calhoun County for 2024.
WNV is a disease transmitted to humans through infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes may 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. Some 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, hypertension, and people who have received an organ transplant.
Residents are reminded that the best way to protect themselves against WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses, including Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Jamestown Canyon virus (JVC)), is to prevent mosquito bites. The following steps are recommended to avoid mosquito-borne diseases:
- Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET or other EPA approved products to exposed skin or clothing. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
- Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
- Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitos outside.
- Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires and other water-holding containers where mosquitos can lay eggs.
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