COLDWATER – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has notified the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency of two deceased crows found in Branch County confirmed to have West Nile Virus (WNV).

As of September 6, 2024, there have been 37 birds and 2 horses in the state of Michigan confirmed to have WNV. This is the first WNV animal identification in the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph area. West Nile Virus has also sickened seven residents in six Michigan counties this year: Berrien, Delta, Genesee, Livingston, Macomb (2) and Wayne. There are currently no human cases in the local jurisdiction.

“Residents are reminded to take steps to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitos. West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis are two diseases that can be transmitted to humans and animals through mosquito bites that we have previously seen in our area,” Health Officer Rebecca Burns said. “Our vector surveillance program did not identify any positive mosquito pools this summer, but transmission from mosquitos can continue until our first hard frost.”

West Nile Virus can affect anyone, but individuals over the age of 50 are at increased risk for more severe symptoms. West Nile Virus is not shared person to person, or animal to person. An infected mosquito must bite an individual or animal.

Most people who are infected with the virus will show mild or no symptoms. If someone experiences symptoms, it is usually between 3-15 days of being bitten. Mild symptoms include fever, confusion, muscle weakness and severe headache. More serious complications may include meningitis or encephalitis. If you experience serious symptoms, contact your health care provider.

Taking precautions to reduce mosquito bites when outdoors at dawn and dusk can reduce your risk:

• Wear long sleeve, light colored clothing.
• Use an EPA registered insect repellent as directed. Find the insect repellent that’s right for you by using EPA’s search tool.
• When using insect repellent on a baby or child always follow the instructions on the container. Do not use repellent on babies under 2 months of age. Avoid spraying the child’s hands, eyes, mouth, and cut or irritated skin. Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on a child under 3 years of age.
• Deter mosquitoes from your property by eliminating and reducing potential breeding areas, such a stagnant water in old tires, bird baths, or containers. If you have livestock water troughs, empty and refill weekly until first frost. Keep your grass cut short and shrubs trimmed. Clean debris from gutters.

You can find up to date information on mosquito borne illnesses at the Michigan Emerging Diseases website.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is committed to helping people live healthier. For more information, contact your local office or visit its website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.