West Nile Virus Shows Up in Oakland County, Residents Urged to take Precautions

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PHOTO: The West Nile virus was found in a bird in Oakland County and officials are urging residents to be cautious as the summer ends. (Patch File Photo)

Health officials are urging Oakland County residents to protect themselves when they’re outside after detection Monday of the West Nile virus in a bird.

West Nile cases have historically peaked during the late summer when mosquitoes are older, WXYZ channel 7 reports.

“Wherever there’s mosquitoes there’s potential that you could be exposed to it,” Oakland County Health Division Manager Kathy Forzley said.

Water in low-lying areas creates the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos to carry the virus, according to public health officials, who warned last spring that standing water left after a snowy winter created ideal conditions for a bumper crop of mosquitoes.

West Nile symptoms include body aches, vomiting, and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Signs can take up to 14 days to surface.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests using mosquito repellent and wearing garments that cover the skin,such as long sleeves, pants and socks.

There haven’t been any human West Nile cases this year. Last year, there were two West-Nile related fatalities and 38 West Nile virus cases last year, WXYZ channel 7 reports.

There is no treatment for the West Nile virus.