The Oakland County Health Division is urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites after three birds and the county’s first mosquito pool of 2024 tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).
While no human cases have been confirmed in the county this year, officials stress the importance of prevention.
“These test results confirm that West Nile virus is present in Oakland County,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, Oakland County’s director of Health & Human Services. “The best way to avoid diseases spread by mosquitoes is to prevent bites. As we continue to enjoy outdoor activities in the summer and fall, it’s crucial to protect ourselves.”
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, which becomes infected after biting a bird carrying the virus. Most people infected with WNV experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, or no symptoms at all. However, in some cases, the virus can cause severe illness, leading to inflammation and swelling of the brain, leading to death.
