Midland County Reports Human Case of West Nile Virus

The Midland County Department of Public Health says a human case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in the county.

The illness is the leading cause of mosquito borne disease in the continental U.S., bringing symptoms including fever, headaches, body aches, vomiting, rash, and in some cases brain inflammation that can be deadly. The disease is spread when mosquitos feed on infected birds, then bite people. Health officials remind residents to take the proper precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing long clothing, using mosquito repellent with DEET, limiting activity between dusk and dawn, and eliminating standing water where mosquitos breed.

Officials say they have not discovered any mosquitos or birds that tested positive in the county, and they will continue to monitor mosquito activity. Any resident that finds a recently deceased Crow or Blue Jay that does not show evidence of trauma is asked to report it by calling (989) 832-8677.