Circumstances of West Nile Virus reported by the Well being Division in Marquette County

The Marquette County Well being Division (MCHD) has not too long ago been made conscious that two hawks in Marquette County, Michigan have examined constructive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This discovering means that native mosquitoes in Marquette County, in addition to all through the U.P., are carrying the virus. In mild of this info, residents are strongly suggested to take precautions to guard themselves from mosquito bites and cut back the danger of contracting WNV.

Signs of WNV sometimes seem between three to fifteen days after being bitten by an contaminated mosquito. These signs could embody fever, headache, physique aches, and typically a pores and skin rash or swollen glands. In extreme circumstances, the virus can result in encephalitis, which is irritation of the mind and could be deadly or trigger everlasting injury. The MCHD recommends that anybody experiencing these signs ought to contact their healthcare supplier.

To remain wholesome and decrease the danger of mosquito bites, residents are inspired to observe these preventative measures:

1. Apply insect repellents containing DEET, or one other EPA-approved product, to uncovered pores and skin or clothes. It is very important at all times observe the producer’s directions when utilizing these merchandise.
2. Put on long-sleeved shirts and lengthy pants when spending time open air, and apply insect repellent to clothes to additional forestall bites.
3. Preserve correctly fitted window and door screens to maintain mosquitoes out of the house.
4. Take away any standing water from potential mosquito breeding websites across the property. This contains emptying buckets, unused kiddie swimming pools, outdated tires, and comparable areas the place mosquitoes could lay their eggs.
5. Think about using nets and/or followers to create a barrier in opposition to mosquitoes in out of doors consuming areas.

It is very important observe that the danger of mosquito-borne diseases stays till late fall, when nighttime temperatures persistently drop beneath freezing. For extra detailed details about mosquito-borne illnesses, residents can go to Michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.