Mosquitoes in Wayne County test positive for West Nile Virus

REDFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Health officials have confirmed that mosquitoes in Wayne County tested positive for the West Nile Virus. The positive test came from mosquitoes in Redford Township last week.

The Wayne County Department of Health, Veterans and Community Wellness encourages residents to take precautions to minimize mosquito exposure and protect themselves from mosquito bites in order to significantly decrease the chances of contracting the West Nile Virus.

While the mosquito season is coming to an end, it is important to remember to protect yourself and your family during the remainder of the summer's warm months.

"We want people to enjoy the last weeks of summer but we also want our residents to take the necessary steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites, said Wayne County Health Officer, Dr. Mouhanad Hammami.  "There have been no human cases of the West Nile Virus confirmed this year and we want to keep it that way by advocating for our communities to use these tips to increase safety against mosquitoes."

The following steps can be taken to reduce the risk of mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil, lemon eucalyptus, or other EPA-approved active ingredients on skin and/or clothing.
• Limit outdoor activity between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Avoid shaded and wooded areas where mosquitoes may be present.
• Cover up when outdoors. Wear long-sleeve shirts, longs pants, socks, and shoes.

The following measures can be taken to reduce the population of mosquitoes in an area:

• Repair or install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Eliminate mosquitoes breeding sites around your home.  Empty standing water from flower pots, pet bowls, clogged rain gutters, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, cans and similar items. 
• Properly dispose of abandoned tires or avoid water accumulation in tires by properly covering.

The routine testing detected the positive sampling last week for the first time this summer.

According to the Center for Disease Control, most people infected with West Nile Virus will not show symptoms, but about 1 in 5 people will develop flu-like symptoms that may last for weeks. In severe cases, serious neurological illnesses can develop that can be fatal such as encephalitis or meningitis.

For more information on West Nile Virus, click here.