MACOMB CO. -- Michigan health officials say one man may have died from the West Nile Virus (WNV).
The Macomb County Health Department reports a 48-year-old man was hospitalized in early August, and later died.
The department says the man was showing symptoms similar to the West Nile Virus.
In Saginaw, Michigan State University performed a study and found a dead crow that was infected with the virus. Other mosquitoes in the Saginaw area also tested positive with it.
“West Nile Virus is a very serious disease,” said Dr. Dean Sienko, Interim Chief Medical Executive in a written release. “It’s important that residents understand the risks associated with West Nile Virus and take the appropriate precautions to avoid getting infected.”
The health department reports that most infected people don’t realize it until three to fifteen days after they’ve become infected.
Since 2001, at least 71 Michigan residents have died from the West Nile Virus.
The health department suggests taking the following steps to avoid the dangerous disease:
• Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes out of buildings.
• Empty water from mosquito breeding sites such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs.
• Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear light colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
• Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other EPA approved repellent to exposed skin or clothing, always following the manufacturer’s directions for use.
For more information on the West Nile virus, visit the state's emerging Diseases website at www.michigan.gov/westnilevirus.
*Note: This story has been updated with more current statistical information in replacement of a previous article.
