West Nile virus has been confirmed in two Allegan County crows. These are two of 81 birds that have tested positive for West Nile virus from 33 Michigan counties to date in 2017. Residents are reminded that the best way to protect against West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses is to prevent mosquito bites.
Symptoms of West Nile virus include headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. An estimated 80% of people infected with West Nile virus will never experience symptoms because the body’s immune system can fight off the virus and stop it from causing illness. However, serious complications, including neurological illnesses like meningitis and encephalitis, can occur.
“Often we forget how we can reduce …show more content…
Repellents should always be used according to the label instructions. It is also important to wear long sleeves and pants outdoors when mosquitoes are most active – from dusk until dawn.
West Nile virus is an arbovirus that is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected with the virus by feeding on infected birds and can transmit the virus to other animals, birds, and humans. Most birds show no symptoms of infection, but certain bird species, such as crows, blue jays and ravens, are more sensitive to the virus and are more likely to become sick and die when they become infected with the virus. The peak risk period is late summer and early fall.
The Allegan County Public Health Department recommends that residents contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to report sick or dead crows, blackbirds, ravens, owls, hawks, or any other bird showing signs of illness. For more information about West Nile virus activity in Michigan and to report sick or dead birds, visit www.michigan.gov/westnile. Additional information can also be found at www.cdc.gov/westnile. Please contact the Allegan County Public Health Department at 269-673-5411 for additional
Symptoms of West Nile virus include headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. An estimated 80% of people infected with West Nile virus will never experience symptoms because the body’s immune system can fight off the virus and stop it from causing illness. However, serious complications, including neurological illnesses like meningitis and encephalitis, can occur.
“Often we forget how we can reduce …show more content…
Repellents should always be used according to the label instructions. It is also important to wear long sleeves and pants outdoors when mosquitoes are most active – from dusk until dawn.
West Nile virus is an arbovirus that is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected with the virus by feeding on infected birds and can transmit the virus to other animals, birds, and humans. Most birds show no symptoms of infection, but certain bird species, such as crows, blue jays and ravens, are more sensitive to the virus and are more likely to become sick and die when they become infected with the virus. The peak risk period is late summer and early fall.
The Allegan County Public Health Department recommends that residents contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to report sick or dead crows, blackbirds, ravens, owls, hawks, or any other bird showing signs of illness. For more information about West Nile virus activity in Michigan and to report sick or dead birds, visit www.michigan.gov/westnile. Additional information can also be found at www.cdc.gov/westnile. Please contact the Allegan County Public Health Department at 269-673-5411 for additional