KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — With the start of summer comes mosquitoes, and test results show that the West Nile virus has already been detected in Kalamazoo County.
Health officials say a Canada goose from the area tested positive for the virus and mosquitoes with the disease were also discovered in Saginaw and Oakland counties.
West Nile is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that was feeding on an infected bird.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has released their annual list of ways Michiganders can avoid being bit by mosquitoes:
- Using EPA registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol, and 2-undecanone; follow the product label instructions and reapply as directed.
- Don’t use repellent on children under 2 months old. Instead dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs and cover crib, stroller and baby carrier with mosquito netting.
- Wearing shoes and socks, light colored long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors.
- Making sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings.
- Using bed nets when sleeping outdoors or in conditions with no window screens.
- Eliminating all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding around your home, including water in bird baths, abandoned swimming pools, wading pools, old tires and any other object holding water once a week.
Symptoms of West Nile include a high fever, confusion, muscle weakness and a severe headache.
More information on the disease can be found here.
