Pontiac, MI - Oakland County Health Division is reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites as the first Oakland County mosquito pool of 2021 tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in Troy.
No confirmed human cases of WNV have occurred in Oakland County this year. Oakland County residents are urged to protect themselves from the threat of WNV by taking necessary precautions.
"Although the positive pool was found in Troy, this is an indicator that West Nile Virus is present throughout Oakland County," said Leigh-Anne Stafford, Oakland County's Director of Health & Human Services. "The best way to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes is to avoid being bitten."
Follow these prevention tips:
- Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellent. All EPA registered insect repellents are evaluated for safety and effectiveness, and will contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol as the active ingredient. Repellents containing a higher percentage of the active ingredient typically provide longer-lasting protection. Always follow the product label instructions.
- Be careful using repellent on the hands of children as it may irritate the eyes and mouth.
- Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water around your home:
- Turn over any type of container that can collect water. Once a week, empty out items that hold water such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, pet bowls, flowerpots, and trash containers.
- Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains.
- Treat standing water that cannot be eliminated, such as retention ponds or drainage ditches, with a mosquito larvicide. Mosquito larvicide is easy to use and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
- Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Limit outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of buildings. Do not prop open doors.
WNV is a mosquito-borne virus. Mosquitoes are infected with the virus by biting an infected bird. The virus is then spread to humans through the bite of the infected mosquito. Most people who are infected with the virus have either no symptoms or experience a mild illness such as fever, headache, and body aches. However, in some individuals, a more serious disease-causing inflammation and swelling of the brain can develop. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms of WNV if they become ill from the virus.
More information about Mosquito-Borne Disease, such as WNV, can be found on the Health Division's website at www.oakgov.com/health or by contacting Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or