The Marquette County Well being Division (MCHD) has lately been made conscious that two hawks in Marquette County, Michigan have examined optimistic for West Nile Virus (WNV). This discovering means that native mosquitoes in Marquette County, in addition to all through the U.P., are carrying the virus. In mild of this data, residents are strongly suggested to take precautions to guard themselves from mosquito bites and cut back the danger of contracting WNV.

Signs of WNV usually seem between three to fifteen days after being bitten by an contaminated mosquito. These signs might embrace fever, headache, physique aches, and generally a pores and skin rash or swollen glands. In extreme circumstances, the virus can result in encephalitis, which is irritation of the mind and might be deadly or trigger everlasting harm. The MCHD recommends that anybody experiencing these signs ought to contact their healthcare supplier.

To remain wholesome and reduce the danger of mosquito bites, residents are inspired to observe these preventative measures:

1. Apply insect repellents containing DEET, or one other EPA-approved product, to uncovered pores and skin or clothes. You will need to all the time observe the producer’s directions when utilizing these merchandise.
2. Put on long-sleeved shirts and lengthy pants when spending time outside, and apply insect repellent to clothes to additional stop bites.
3. Preserve correctly fitted window and door screens to maintain mosquitoes out of the house.
4. Take away any standing water from potential mosquito breeding websites across the property. This contains emptying buckets, unused kiddie swimming pools, outdated tires, and comparable areas the place mosquitoes might lay their eggs.
5. Think about using nets and/or followers to create a barrier in opposition to mosquitoes in outside consuming areas.

You will need to be aware that the danger of mosquito-borne diseases stays till late fall, when nighttime temperatures constantly drop under freezing. For extra detailed details about mosquito-borne ailments, residents can go to Michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.