2020 West Nile first human case confirmed in Michigan

Lansing, Michigan (WNDU)-The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the first human case of the West Nile virus in 2020 on Thursday.

The ministry called on everyone to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants and using repellents containing EPA-approved ingredients.

Read the full release from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services below.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) today confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2020 among residents of Wayne County.

MDHHS Chief Medical Officer and Chief Health Officer, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, said: “As the holiday approaches a long weekend, it’s important to keep the family protected from being bitten by mosquitoes.” “A single bite from an infected mosquito can cause serious illness, especially during mosquito bites. Please note: The dusk and dawn of mosquitoes that infect the West Nile virus and the eastern equine encephalitis virus.”

In addition to WNV, the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus is re-epidemic in Michigan, with 13 confirmed cases in horses in the Barry, Clare, Kent, Montcalm, New Wego, and Auckland counties.

“Even when talking about West Nile, EEE, or other mosquito-borne diseases, human and animal owners must take all necessary precautions to prevent infection.” There’s a lot going on in it, but we can’t be alarmed. We urge animal owners to work with veterinarians to properly vaccinate all animals.”

To date, two birds have tested positive for WNV in Lapeer and Oakland counties. In addition, 14 WNV-positive mosquito pools were detected in five Michigan counties including Arenac, Kent, Lapia, Auckland and Saginaw. Finding infected birds, animals and mosquitoes in the community indicates the risk of human infection.

The 2019 WNV season was less severe, with only 12 cases of human beings reported, including 2 deaths. However, the state experienced the worst EEE virus outbreak ever recorded, resulting in 10 human cases, including 6 deaths and 50 animals. Between September 28 and October 10, 2019, over 557,000 acres of land in Michigan were treated with an aerial spray of insecticides to kill infected mosquitoes and prevent additional cases.

Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms of the disease. However, some people get sick 3 to 15 days after exposure. Approximately one in five people infected will have a mild illness with fever, and one in 150 people will be seriously ill.

Mild illnesses include headaches, body aches, arthralgias, vomiting diarrhea or rashes. Serious symptoms of WNV are associated with encephalitis or meningitis and include neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremor, muscle weakness, convulsions, paralysis. People over the age of 60 are vulnerable to these serious symptoms.

Residents can stay healthy by using simple and effective strategies to protect themselves and their families. The following procedures are recommended to avoid WNV, EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases.

• Apply an insect repellent containing the active ingredient DEET or other EPA approved products to exposed skin or clothing and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Outdoors, wear brightly colored long-sleeved shirts and pants. Apply insect repellent to your clothing to prevent insect bites.
• Keep windows and doors screened to keep mosquitoes outdoors.
• Empty water from mosquito breeding areas around the house, such as buckets, unused children’s pools, old tires, or similar places where mosquitoes spawn.
• Please use the internet and fans in the outdoor dining area.

For more information on West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne viruses and surveillance activities, please visit: Michigan.gov/westnilevirus..

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