The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have confirmed the state's first human cases of West Nile virus.
Two of the cases are in Montcalm County, and one each from Oakland and Macomb counties.
“This is an important reminder to stay vigilant and protect against mosquito bites throughout the summer and into the fall,” said Dr. Eden Wells, Chief Medical Executive at the MDHHS. “All residents should take steps to prevent bites, such as use repellent and take extra care during peak mosquito-biting hours between dusk and dawn.”
Their illness onsets range from August 6-11, and all have been hospitalized with neurologic disease.
In addition to the four human cases, five Michigan blood donors have had WNV detected in their blood.
Most people who become infected with WNV will not develop any symptoms of illness. However, some become sick three to 15 days after exposure. Mild illness may include headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting diarrhea, or rash.
Severe symptoms of WNV are associated with encephalitis or meningitis, and may include: stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, muscle weakness, convulsions and paralysis. People 50 and older are more susceptible to severe WNV disease symptoms.
To date, 148 birds have tested positive for WNV from 44 of Michigan’s 83 counties. In addition, 86 WNV positive mosquito pools have been detected in seven Michigan counties. MDARD has reported eight horses that have tested positive for WNV (Clinton, Jackson, Livingston, Missaukee, Mecosta, Midland, Ottawa, and Wexford Counties). Also one horse has tested positive for Eastern Equine encephalitis virus (Wexford County).
