West Nile virus detected in Manchester

To prevent mosquito bites, wear long sleeves, long pants, shoes, and socks, wear insect repellent containing active ingredients approved by the EPA, fix holes in screens, and get rid of standing water in your yard.

by Sara Swanson

Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD) reported last week that three birds in southern Washtenaw, including a blue jay in the Manchester area, have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) this summer. In addition, samples of mosquitoes collected last month in Ypsilanti have tested positive for WNV. While no human cases have been reported in the county yet this year, because of the evidence that the virus is circulating in local wildlife, WCHD is reminding local residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

“Our local mosquitoes can spread serious illnesses,” says Laura Bauman, MPH, epidemiology program manager with the Washtenaw County Health Department. “We haven’t had a human case of West Nile in Washtenaw since 2018, but we’re nearing the time of year when human cases are more likely in Michigan. Late summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but please take steps to prevent mosquito bites.”

Even in areas where mosquitoes do carry the virus, very few mosquitoes are infected and most people infected with West Nile do not become ill or only experience mild illness. In rare cases, infections can become serious. The Health Department does not recommend avoiding the outdoors but urges precautions. Use appropriate repellent, wear protective clothing, and avoid areas with mosquito activity when possible.

So far this year, there have been two reported cases of human WNV in Michigan. Last year, 24 Michigan residents tested positive for WNV.

WCHD reports that most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms of illness, but some may become ill 3 to 15 days after the bite from an infected mosquito. About 1 in 4 people infected will experience mild illness with fever, headache, and body aches, sometimes with a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. Less than 1% of people who get bitten and become infected with West Nile virus will develop a severe illness like encephalitis or meningitis. The risk of getting West Nile encephalitis is higher in people 50 or older. More severe infection may be marked by convulsions, disorientation, headache, high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, or paralysis. In a few cases, mostly among the elderly, death may occur.

The Health Department collects and identifies mosquitoes to understand local disease risk and contribute data to the statewide tracking system. This surveillance will continue throughout the summer while mosquitoes are active. They do not test dead or sick birds for West Nile virus, but they encourage that if you encounter a dead or sick bird, especially a crow, raven, or blue jay, you report it to the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources by filling out a form at https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ors/Survey/4.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.