Oakland County health officials confirm that they have two human cases of West Nile Virus in the county.
The cases have been confirmed by laboratory testing. Officials have not said what part of the county they are from.
Officials say the virus has also been found in two mosquito pools, a crow and a blood donor.
“All residents are strongly urged to follow prevention tips to protect themselves from WNV, especially those who are 50 and older who are more susceptible to severe symptoms,” said Kathy Forzley, Oakland County Health Division manager/health officer in a news release. “Most people infected with WNV do not have any symptoms, but for those who do become sick, the disease can be serious, even fatal.”
Officials recommend following the following tips to reduce your risk of contracting the virus:
- 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 repellents 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.
- Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water that collects in birdbaths, boats, buckets, tires, unused pools, roof gutters and other containers.
