The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirms that an 81-year-old Oakland County woman has died due to complications from West Nile Virus.
The woman is the first human West Nile Virus-related death in Oakland County since 2003.
“This is a tragic reminder of how severe West Nile Virus can be, especially for adults over 50 who are at greater risk for severe illness," said George Miller, director of Oakland County Department of Health and Human Services, in a press release. “We strongly encourage residents to protect themselves and family members from mosquitoes, even as we enter the fall season.”
Protect yourself from mosquitos using these instructions provided by the Oakland County Health Division:
• 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 it 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.
