ALPENA COUNTY — District Health Department No. 4 was informed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources that two bird carrying West Nile virus were recently identified: an osprey in Alpena County collected in September and a blue jay in Montmorency County collected in August.
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People with WNV are infected by mosquitos, and most show no signs or symptoms of the disease. In rare cases it can cause life-threatening illness, especially in very young children, the elderly or people with a compromised immune system.
About 1 in 150 people who are infected can develop a very serious condition called encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain.
DHD4 would like to remind people to protect themselves from mosquito bites, even during cooler months, to prevent the spread of diseases such as WNV.
“Mosquito season runs until November in Michigan, so even when it starts getting cooler outside there will still be a risk of getting bitten,” says DHD4 health officer Denise Bryan. “West Nile virus is preventable. Our community has many beautiful places for recreational activities. Remember to protect yourself while outdoors!”
Residents who encounter a sick bird or mammal are encouraged to report these animals to the DNR by going to https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ors/Home or calling/texting (518) 336-5030.
