JCHD: West Nile Virus Public Health Notice

(September 27, 2024 2:29 PM ET)  From the Jackson County Health Department:

As of September 27, 2024, we are sharing updated information about the West Nile Virus (WNV) in Jackson County, following our last update on August 23, 2024. Since then, there have been three human cases of WNV and one more bird testing positive. This brings the total to three humans and three birds (2 crows and 1 sandhill crane) testing positive for WNV. These are the first human cases of WNV reported in Jackson County since 2012.

Statewide, there have been 21 human cases of mosquito-borne viruses as of September 20, 2024. This includes 19 cases of West Nile Virus and 2 cases of Jamestown Canyon Virus.

West Nile Virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the continental U.S. It spreads to people through mosquito bites and usually occurs during mosquito season, which starts in summer and lasts through fall.

There are no vaccines or medicines to treat West Nile Virus in people. Most people who get West Nile Virus don’t feel sick. However, about 1 in 5 people will get a fever and other symptoms. About 1 in 150 people may get seriously ill, and it can sometimes be fatal. You can reduce your risk of getting WNV by avoiding mosquito bites. From CDC West Nile Virus Home Page

Prevention:

To lower your risk of mosquito bites, use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. When spending time outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, wear long sleeves, pants, and socks for extra protection. Keep doors and windows closed, or make sure screens are in place to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. Additionally, eliminate standing water around your home, such as in buckets or bird baths, as mosquitoes can breed in these areas.

What to do if you find a dead bird:

If you find a dead bird, you can report it to the DNR’s Eyes in the Field reporting form. These reports are reviewed regularly, and if the DNR wants to test the bird, they will contact you. While not every bird will be tested, your reports help monitor bird deaths.

When collecting a dead bird for testing, use gloves or a plastic bag to avoid direct contact, double-bag the specimen, and freeze or refrigerate it. For disposal, either bury the bird or place it in your garbage, again avoiding direct contact and washing your hands after any contact.

Stay Informed:

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) provides weekly updates on arbovirus activity, available here: MDHHS Arbovirus Trends