LANSING, Mich. (WLUC) – Michigan Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Sanilac County Health Department have confirmed the first human West Nile Virus (WNV) infection in 2018 when the blood donor tested a positive mosquito-based virus.
"This is an important reminder to stay vigilant and protect mosquito bites throughout the summer and fall," said Dr. Eden Wells, MDHHS's leading medical doctor. "Residents should use insect repellents, emptying standing water at home and paying particular attention to the peak between the morning and the morning when the darkness is blurred."
Blood donations are screened at West Nile before distribution to ensure that bloodstream is a safe virus. Tax donations that show positive for the West Nile virus are rejected and are not used for blood transfusions.
At this time the donor has not reported any illness. Most people in West Nile Virus do not develop any symptoms. However, some people become ill after 15 to 15 days after exposure. About five infected people have a mild illness that may include fever, headache, fatigue, joint pain, vomiting or rash. About 150 infected people become seriously ill. WNV's severe symptoms are related to encephalitis or meningitis, and may include rigid neck, mold, disorientation, coma, tremor, muscle weakness, convulsions and stroke. People aged 60 and over are more likely to be affected by severe WNV disease symptoms.
Culex pipiens tablets or mosquito in the northern house are the primary cause of WNV infections in Michigan. Mosquitoes inflict WNV when they infest an infected bird. Hot weather favors mosquitoes, which shortens their development from egg to adult, and small water reservoirs provide the perfect habitat for Culex mosquitoes to produce eggs. To date, 20 birds and 24 mosquito reps have been tested positively for WNV in Michigan. Visit Michigan.gov/westnilevirus to find the current WNV activities maps in Michigan, according to the province.
Residents can stay healthy using simple and effective strategies to protect themselves and their families. The following guidelines are recommended to avoid WNV and other anti-mosquitoes:
• Use insect repellents containing the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-approved products for exposed skin or clothing and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
• Use lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors. Use insect repellent in clothing to prevent bite blocking.
• Keep the windows and doors screened to keep the mosquito outdoors.
• Empty water from mosquito locations at home areas, such as buckets, unused childrens pools, old tires, or similar items with mosquito eggs.
For more information and follow-up on West Nile virus and other non-flammable viruses, visit Michigan.gov/westnilevirus.