West Niles Virus

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West Nile Virus (WNV)

Fortunately, West Nile Virus activity in Southwestern Michigan as milder in 2003 than it was in 2002.  In 2004, Michigan will once again be conducting surveillance of West Nile Virus regarding human cases, dead birds, mosquitoes and other animals affected. 

To review current information about West Nile Virus see Michigan's Emerging Diseases website. 

Dead blue jays and crows will be monitored this year.  Reporting of dead blue jays and crows can be done through Michigan’s website at: http://www.michigan.gov/westnilevirus. 

This year samples from dead blue jays and crows will be submitted for testing until there is a first positive bird in each zip code.  If you need help reporting a dead bird or have difficulty accessing information through the website, call the Environmental Health Division of your local health department.  The Environmental Health Division of the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department can be reached at (269) 621-3143 x311. 

West Nile virus is spread to humans almost exclusively through the bite of an infected mosquito.  The primary focuses for reducing WNV risk are reducing mosquito exposure and reducing mosquito breeding sites. 

Strategies for reducing mosquito exposure include:

bullet· Applying insect repellant that contains the active ingredient DEET to exposed skin or clothing, always following the manufacturer’s directions for use.
bullet· Avoid applying repellent to children less than 2 years of age, and to the hands of older children because repellents may be transferred to the eyes or mouth potentially causing irritation or adverse health effects. 
bullet· Maintaining window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes out of buildings. 
bulletAvoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active (dawn and dusk) and wearing light colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you have to be outdoors. 
bullet· Draining puddles in the yard, emptying water from mosquito breeding sites such as buckets, barrels, cans or similar sites where mosquitoes can lay eggs. 

Michigan has brought together extensive information about West Nile Virus, and state and local efforts to monitor it and control it at their Emerging Diseases website.  Click here  to view that website.  The state also continues to offer a toll-free hotline where citizens can get updated information about WNV in Michigan.  You can call the Toll-Free West Nile Virus Hotline at 1-888-668-0869.

Health officials emphasize that your risk of contracting West Nile Virus is VERY low, and less than 1% of those who get the virus become seriously ill.

Most people who contract the virus experience mild, flu-like symptoms, or no symptoms at all, and probably do not realize that they have been infected. Those most susceptible to the potentially serious effects of the virus are the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. West Nile Virus is not transmissible from person to person.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are the designated authority for West Nile Virus impacts on human health. The CDC West Nile Virus Site has comprehensive information on human cases, symptoms, and prevention of West Nile.

 

Send mail to georgek@vbcassdhd.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 10/19/05