Genesee County, Michigan – The Genesee County Health Department has confirmed that a bird recovered in Flushing Township had West Nile Virus. This is the first animal case of the year in the county. Health experts advise people to do more to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes because the virus can spread through them.
Arboviruses are a group of diseases that mosquitoes can spread. West Nile Virus is one of them. When a mosquito bites a person after eating an infected bird, it spreads these infections to people. Birds can’t carry the illness directly, but health experts say that the best way to protect yourself is to keep mosquitoes away.
Arboviruses can make you sick in many ways. Many infections generate mild flu-like symptoms, but in rare circumstances, they can cause serious neurological problems, such as encephalitis, which is swelling of the brain. Most infections in Michigan happen from late spring to mid-fall, when mosquitoes are most active. People under 15 and over 50 are the most likely to get significant consequences if they get sick.
The Health Department suggests a few easy yet helpful steps to take. Follow the instructions on the package when using insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA-approved chemicals on skin and clothing that are exposed. Parents shouldn’t use repellents on kids less than two months. Instead, they should put mosquito netting over strollers or carriers and dress their kids in protective clothing. Long sleeves and pants might also help keep bugs from biting you outside.
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Also, people are asked to keep their window and door screens in good shape and get rid of places where mosquitoes might spawn near their houses. To keep mosquitoes from laying eggs, you should empty buckets, tires, kiddie pools, and other containers that have standing water in them on a frequent basis. You can also treat clothes with permethrin, an insect repellent made for materials, but you have to follow the guidelines on the label.
The Health Department said that monitoring mosquitoes and viruses continues to go on all around Michigan. The state’s Emerging Diseases webpage has weekly updates on arbovirus activity. If you want to hire a professional to get rid of mosquitoes, you may also ask the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for a list of registered pesticide applicators.
The department stressed that its main goal is to protect public health by stopping the spread of disease and lowering environmental risks. As mosquito season starts, it is reminding the community that little, regular activities can greatly lower the chance of getting sick.