Deadly Mosquito Transmitted Virus Case Detected In Michigan

We have been dealing with viruses since what seems like the beginning of time as there have been several plagues that have taken over the world. The most famous of those plagues is the Black Plague which claimed millions of lives all over the world. Recently, there has been another large plague that claimed millions of lives, COVID-19, which shut the world down. For us, that was unprecedented but that's nothing the world hasn't seen before.

I remember being in high school when there was an Ebola outbreak in many countries across the Earth including the United States. Many people were losing their lives to this flesh-eating virus and none of us knew if we were up next or not. That's the scary thing about viruses, they can attack anyone at any time. Mosquito transmitted viruses are scary as well considering a "harmless" mosquito bite could cost you your life. There is a confirmed case of one of the deadliest mosquito transmitted viruses on Earth here in Michigan.

West Nile Virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne diseases in the entire United States. West Nile is a virus that starts by causing fevers and rashes but could easily develop into neurological complications which could and often times lead to death. Below are the symptoms of West Nile Virus:

• Fever.
• Headache.
• Muscles aches.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Rash (usually concentrated around your chest and back).
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Sore throat.
• Pain behind your eyes.

Michigan is no stranger to this disease as it has been present within the Mitten state for years. In fact, there have already been 140 reported positive cases in Michigan which is 13% higher than 2023. Although this number seems high there has only been a handful of human cases reported, so there's no need to sound the alarm just yet.

Kalamazoo is the most recent county to report a positive case of the West Nile Virus but once again the humans are spared as this case was found in a trumpeter swan. Health officials are aware of the cases and say that there aren't any positive cases found in Kalamazoo county's mosquito pools.

Read More: These Are the Rarest Animals in Michigan

Health officials have warned residents to stay diligent in their mosquito prevention techniques as bites can be dangerous as seen by diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus. Here are some ways you can reduce your exposure to mosquito bites:

• Avoiding high-risk times. Stay inside when mosquitos are most active, especially early in the morning and around sunset.
• Using insect repellent. Spray insect repellent on exposed skin or clothes before going outdoors. Check for ones that are Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered for effectiveness.
• Covering your skin. Wear lightweight clothes like long pants or a long-sleeved shirt to cover more of your body when you’re outdoors.
• Draining standing water. Regularly empty and clean any areas that may collect water, such as a birdbath or clogged rain gutters, where mosquitos could breed.
• Keeping mosquitos outside. Keep doors and windows screened or closed to keep mosquitos from entering your home.
• Taking precautions when traveling or sleeping outdoors. Sleep with the windows closed where possible or use a mosquito net to keep from being bitten at night.