Genesee County Reports Third Human Case of West Nile Virus

A third human case of West Nile Virus has been found in Genesee County.

Health officials first detected the virus in a bird in the Flushing area in August, while the first human case was first reported August 28. According to the county health department, it’s common for a few individuals to contract the virus. Symptoms of West Nile Virus include fever, chills, muscle aches, and in rare cases, brain inflammation which can be lethal.

While the threat of the virus remains low, officials remind residents to take the proper precautions to avoid mosquito bites and the potential for mosquito borne illnesses. Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants with shoes and socks and use a mosquito repellent with DEET when outside. As mosquitos are most active between dusk and dawn, try to limit activity during this time. And eliminate sources of standing water on your property as its where mosquitos will breed.

For more information, call the health department at (810) 257-3612..