BREAKING: Deadly Mosquito Virus Found In Michigan

As the warm weather is finally starting to be consistent, it is understandable to get excited.

However, with warm weather comes the pest!

One of the deadliest creatures loves to thrive during this time of year.

I do not know about you but I would like to avoid these creatures at all times!

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Deadly Mosquito Virus

Mosquitos tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis in Bay County.

Eastern equine encephalitis is a deadly virus that can infect humans and animals.

Most people do not develop symptoms. If you develop symptoms, it will happen within 4 to 10 days and can last up to two weeks.

• Febrile illness
• Fever
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Behavioral changes
• Drowsiness
• Coma

According to CDC, there have been 189 human cases of the virus and 78 deaths in the U.S. between 2003 and 2022.

Bridge MI says,

"Cases involving humans and animals have been reported in Michigan, Wisconsin and Montana but it is most common in states off the Gulf of Mexico.  The virus sickened one Michigan resident in 2021, four in 2020  and 10 in 2019, the department confirmed. Six Michigan residents died from the virus in 2019 and two more in 2020."

Jamestown Canyon Virus

Also, Michigan residents are urged to protect themselves from the Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV).

"The JCV virus is spread to people through bites from infected mosquitos. Most cases occur from late spring through mid-fall. Illness can develop within a few days to two weeks following a bite from an infected mosquito. While most people do not become ill, initial symptoms can include fever, headache and fatigue. In rare cases, it can cause severe disease in the brain and/or spinal cord including encephalitis and meningitis."

Protect Yourself

The state of Michigan's website is urging their residents to use these strategies to protect themselves from the virus and mosquitos.

• Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-approved products to exposed skin or clothing. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
• Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitos outside.
• Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires, and other water-holding containers where mosquitos can lay eggs.

Protect The Animals

Michigan's website also says the ways to prevent the spread of the virus in animals.

• Talk to a veterinarian about vaccinating horses against WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases.
• Place livestock in a barn under fans (as mosquitos are not strong flyers) and pets inside the home during peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn.
• Use an insect repellant on animals that is approved for the species.
• Eliminate standing water on the property—i.e., fill in puddles, repair eaves, and change the water in buckets and bowls at least once a day.
• Contact a veterinarian if an animal shows signs of illness.