MACOMB COUNTY (WWJ) - Residents in Metro Detroit are at an increased risk of contacting West Nile virus after mosquitos in the area tested positive for the disease, authorities warned.
For the first time in 2022, health officials said tests came back positive for the West Nile virus after two samplings were taken from mosquitoes in Macomb County.
“This discovery by our surveillance team is important because it lets us know that this season’s mosquitoes are now carrying the virus – which could spread to humans,” said Andrew Cox, Director/Health Officer at the Macomb County Health Department. “We encourage everyone to take steps to prevent mosquito bites to the greatest extent possible.”
So far, no human cases of the virus have been reported in Michigan, but residents in Macomb County are being advised to take precautions.
WNV is typically spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, officials said. Most people came down with the virus in summer through early fall.
"Many people infected with the virus will not have any symptoms or will experience a mild illness such as body aches, fever and headache," health officials said. "Some people will develop more severe symptoms that could include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)."
According to the CDD, those at the greatest risk for severe illness include people over 50 years of age, those with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, hypertension and those who have received an organ transplant.
The Macomb County Health Department recommends the following steps residents can take to protect themselves from contracting the disease:
• Use an insect repellent that contains DEET or picaridin on clothing and exposed skin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends the use of oil of lemon eucalyptus as a more natural repellant. Manufacturer’s directions should be closely followed when using these products.
• Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. Residents should limit outdoor activities and wear pants and long sleeves, along with using repellent during these hours.
• People who work in outdoor occupations or like to spend time outdoors are also at increased risk for WNV infection from mosquito bites.
• Areas of standing water, such as buckets, flower pots, barrels and children’s pools should be kept empty when not being used to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs. Change the water regularly in pet dishes and bird baths and keep gutters free of standing water.
For more information about the disease, residents can visit the Macomb County Health Department here.