(CBS DETROIT) – Health officials in a southeastern Michigan county are warning residents to be careful about mosquito bites after confirming a third human case of West Nile virus.
The cases were spread across different areas of the provinceaccording to a press release from the Genesee County Health Department.
This is because the number of cases of West Nile virus is increasing and eastern equine encephalitisalso called EEE, can be seen everywhere in the country.
West Nile virus has also been confirmed in a person in Livingston County and in a dead bird found in DetroitIt has also been found in mosquitoes in Macomb County and in birds and mosquitoes in Oakland County.
The state of Michigan reported that as of September 13, 14 residents tested positive for West Nile virus and two for Jamestown Canyon virus.
A 41-year-old man from New Hampshire died last month after testing positive for EEEand another man in New Hampshire was hospitalized after tested positive for three mosquito-borne viruses.
Symptoms of mosquito-borne viruses can range from mild symptoms, such as headache, body aches and fever, to more serious complications, such as swelling of the brain.
People are encouraged to prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when going outside, emptying water from buckets, unused kiddie pools and tires, and keeping window and door screens in good condition.
Residents can find the latest updates on mosquito-borne diseases in Michigan on the state’s website.
