High temperatures and heavy rainfalls this summer have contributed to an increase in overall mosquito populations. And when a mosquito bites, it can sometimes leave behind more than just an irritating, itchy red bump.
West Nile Virus (WNV), which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, is a very serious disease. While most people bitten by a WNV infected mosquito show no symptoms of illness, about one in five will have mild illness with fever, and about one in 150 infected people will become severely ill with encephalitis or meningitis. Symptoms of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord and brain linings) include stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, muscle weakness, convulsions, and paralysis.
Since its arrival in Michigan in 2001, WNV has caused at least 860 human cases and 71 deaths. Last year, Michigan reported 29 cases of WNV, including three deaths. The latest death in Michigan due to WNV, which occurred earlier this month, serves as a somber reminder that the illness is still very much circulating among the mosquito population. In fact, the months of August and September are when most human cases of WNV occur in Michigan. This is because mosquitoes are older at the end of summer and more likely to carry the virus.
It’s important that residents take precautions to avoid getting infected, such as:
· Maintain window and door screens to help keep mosquitoes out of buildings.
· Empty water from mosquito breeding sites such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires, etc.
· Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
· Wear light colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn.
· Apply insect repellant to exposed skin or clothing, following manufacturer’s directions.
For more information on WNV and surveillance activity updates, visit www.michigan.gov/westnilevirus.