SAGINAW, MI - Those looking to get outside and enjoy the cool, late summer air at night in Saginaw County will want to still make sure that they grab some bug spray,
The Saginaw County Mosquito Abatement Commission announced that the organization has detected above average West Nile Virus activity this summer.
The first evidence of West Nile Virus in Saginaw County for the 2020 season was announced by SCMAC on Thursday, Aug. 6, after the virus was found in mosquito samples in July.
Twelve mosquito collections were found positive for West Nile Virus in July and one collection was found positive for La Crosse Encephalitis, according to SCMAC.
They are currently awaiting recent virus surveillance results for more numerical data. Routine virus surveillance has been impacted due to testing resource shortages caused by COVID-19, according to the organization.
Saginaw County has so far been spared from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) this summer. However, the commission noted in its announcement that there has been a recent increase in EEE activity in horses in other areas of the state.
SCMAC stated that it is maintained an aggressive control effort by targeting communities that favor the mosquito vectors responsible for West Nile Virus and for nuisance mosquitoes.
West Nile virus has been found annually in Saginaw County since its introduction in 2002, per SCMAC records. The virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it is most commonly spread to people by the bite of mosquitoes that have bitten an infected bird.
Residents are encouraged to contact the Commission’s office at (989) 755-5751 if they notice a crow or blue jay that has been dead for less than 24 hours. According to SCMAC, birds have been found to be a value to West Nile Virus surveillance as they suffer a high mortality from the virus.
The virus can cause illness three to 15 days after the mosquito bite, according the DHHS. Adults age 60 and older are at the highest risk, but anyone can get sick from it and symptoms include high fever, confusion, muscle weakness and a severe headache.
SCMAC gave the following tips to prevent mosquito-borne disease transmission:
• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn.
• When outdoors wear shoes and socks, light colored long pants, and a long sleeved shirt.
• Apply an insect repellent that contains DEET, or other EPA approved products according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night.
• Eliminate all sources of standing water around the yard that can support mosquito breeding, including water in buckets, wading pools, old tires and any other object holding water. Contact SCMAC to report standing water in roadside ditches, flooded yards, fields or similar locations that may produce mosquitoes.
Related news:
West Nile Virus found in Saginaw County mosquitoes
Michigan’s first West Nile virus case of 2020 found in Lapeer County hawk
Flood aftermath spawning mosquito horde in mid-Michigan
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