COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has been notified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that two deceased crows found in Branch County were confirmed to have West Nile Virus.
As of last Friday, September 6, there have been 37 birds and two horses in the State of Michigan that had a confirmed case of West Nile Virus.
It’s the first West Nile Virus animal identification in the Community Health Agency’s three counties.
West Nile Virus has also sickened seven residents in six counties. Two of the cases have been reported in Macomb County. The others were in Berrien, Delta, Genesee, Livingston, and Wayne Counties.
No human cases have been reported in Branch, St. Joseph and Hillsdale Counties.
Community Health Agency Health Officer Rebecca Burns says, “Residents are reminded to take steps to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitos. West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis are two diseases that can be transmitted to humans and animals through mosquito bites that we have previously seen in our area. Our vector surveillance program did not identify any positive mosquito pools this summer, but transmission from mosquitos can continue until our first hard frost.”
If someone experiences West Nile Virus symptoms, it is usually between three and 15 days of being bitten. Mild symptoms include fever, confusion, muscle weakness and severe headache.
More serious complications may include meningitis or encephalitis. If you experience serious symptoms, contact your health care provider.
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