Laboratory testing has confirmed that a Midland County resident has tested positive for West Nile virus. West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.
West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. People become infected with the virus when mosquitoes feed on infected birds and then bite people.
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About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms, which may include headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness such as meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
There is no vaccine and immunity is considered lifelong after infection. Prevent illness by preventing mosquito bites.
There have been no mosquitoes or birds in Midland County that have tested positive for West Nile virus this season. If a Midland County resident finds a recently deceased Crow or Blue Jay that does not show evidence of trauma, they can call the office at 989-832-8677 to discuss testing for West Nile virus.
Crows and blue jays are more susceptible to sickness from West Nile virus and often die from the infection. Other bird species can be infected, but usually do not die and so are not tested. West Nile virus testing of crows and blue jays can be done within a few hours following death.