Bird in Otsego County Infected with West Nile Virus
Tips on how to protect yourself
Monday, Sept. 30, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) was informed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that an American Crow, collected in Otsego County, tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This follows reports from earlier in the month about birds in Antrim County that tested positive for WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-spread disease in the continental U.S. About one in five people who are infected, develop a fever and other symptoms, while others do not feel sick. It is a potentially serious disease that can affect anyone, people over age 60 are more likely to get the severe form of WNV illness. Those at greatest risk of being bitten from infected mosquitoes are those who work or play outdoors.
Protect Yourself
To protect yourself from mosquito bites:
- Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved products, to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
- Avoid being outside during peak mosquito activity between dusk and dawn.
- Use windows and doors with well-maintained screens.
- Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires, or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
- Use nets and/or fans over outdoor seating areas.
To protect animals:
- Put farm animals in the barn during peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn.
- Check with your vet on whether EEE vaccinations are available for your animals.
- Use an insect repellant on the animals approved for the species.
- Again, eliminate standing water on your property.
HDNW and the DNR encourage residents to report sick or diseased birds or other animals by going to https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ors/Survey/4 or calling (517) 336-5030. Follow the instructions on the DNR website and do not move the bird. HDNW does not collect birds for testing.
“Resident’s reports are monitored on a regular basis and if the DNR wishes to test the bird you have reported, you will be contacted,” says Dan Thorell, HDNW Health Officer. “While not every bird will be tested, these reports are important to monitor overall wild bird health.”
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