Take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses
Central Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD) has been informed that a mosquito pool in Arenac County has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). This means that the virus is present in the county and can be spread to people through mosquito bites.
CMDHD urges everyone to take steps to protect themselves from mosquitoes and the viruses they carry.
To protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne diseases, you should take action now. Mosquitoes in Central Michigan can spread several diseases, including EEE, West Nile Virus (WNV), St. Louis encephalitis, and La Crosse encephalitis. The risk of getting these diseases remains high until freezing weather arrives in the fall.
“Taking steps now can greatly reduce the risk of getting sick from mosquito bites,” said Steve King, CMDHD Environmental Health Director.
“So far, 115 mosquito pools in the state have tested positive for viruses, so it’s likely that infected mosquitoes are in Central Michigan.”
Mosquito-borne diseases can cause symptoms like headache, chills, fever, weakness, and muscle pain. In severe cases, these diseases can cause serious problems with the brain.
People who are at higher risk include young children, adults over 60, and those with certain health conditions or weakened immune systems.
Here’s how you can reduce your risk of mosquito bites:
• Stay away from areas with a lot of mosquitoes, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when you’re outside, especially during peak mosquito times.
• Use insect repellent on exposed skin. Repellents that contain DEET are effective. When using DEET on children, apply it to your hands first and then rub it on their skin, avoiding their eyes and mouth.
• Apply repellent to your clothing, as mosquitoes can bite through thin fabric.
• Treat your clothing and gear with permethrin or buy pre-treated clothing to keep mosquitoes away through multiple washes.
• Get rid of standing water around your home, like in flowerpots, pet bowls, clogged gutters, and old containers where mosquitoes breed.
• Make sure your window screens are in good shape and doors close tightly.
• Keep your lawn mowed to reduce places where mosquitoes can hide.
If you own horses, talk to your veterinarian about how to protect them, as EEE is often fatal to horses. When there’s an increase in disease among wildlife, it often means there’s a higher risk for people too.
If you find any dead birds or other wildlife, report it at https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ors/Home. Reporting helps experts know when the risk of mosquito-borne disease is rising.
For more information about diseases spread by animals and insects, visit https://www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.
The Central Michigan District Health Department serves the counties of Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Osceola, and Roscommon. Visit www.cmdhd.org.
