(WWJ) -- As the summer heads into into fall, the Macomb County Health Department has issued a reminder to take precautions against mosquito bites.
The West Nile virus (WNV) was recently detected in a single sampling of mosquitoes gathered in Macomb County for the first time this summer.
At present, there have been no confirmed cases of human West Nile virus in Michigan in 2021.
MCHD says that residents should do the following to protect themselves and their families against WNV:
-Use an insect repellent that contains DEET or picaridin on clothing or exposed skin. The CDC recommends oil of lemon eucalyptus as a natural alternative.
-Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. Residents should limit outdoor activities during those hours, and wear pants, long sleeves, and use insect repellent.
-Those who work in outdoor occupations should take extra precaution, as they are at an increased risk for mosquito bites and WNV.
-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 water regularly in pet dishes and bird baths, and keep gutters free of standing water.
-Window and door screens should be in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes and buildings.
West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes, which first become infected if they bite birds that have the virus.
Many people infected with WNV will have few or mild symptoms, some of which include body aches, fever and headaches.
Others could develop more serious reactions, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis.
Health officials say the population at the greatest risk for severe symptoms include people 50 years and older, those who have received an organ transplant, and anyone with medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, kidney disease and hypertension.
Get more information on the disease from the Macomb County Health Department here.
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