West Nile Virus Is In Michigan – How To Protect Your Family

West Nile Virus has been found in Michigan.  This is the earliest the virus has been discovered in Michigan in several years.

Learn more about where the virus has been found and how to keep your family safe.

Mlive.com explains exactly what has been found in Michigan and where:

Health officials say they've identified West Nile virus in two Michigan counties, the earliest such detection in several years as weather conditions encourage the presence of mosquitoes.

The Michigan Department of Community Health announced Tuesday a mosquito pool sample collected in mid-June by Saginaw County officials tested positive for the virus. A wild turkey from Washtenaw County that was submitted to the Department of Natural Resources also tested positive.

No human cases have been confirmed this year.

The Kent County Health Department explains how to keep ourselves and our kids safe:

Apply repellent to clothing and exposed skin, and follow directions on the product label. Don’t apply repellent under clothing, or on cuts, wounds or irritated skin. You should not apply repellent around the eyes or mouth, and if using spray, apply spray to your hands first, and then apply to face.

Repellent should not be used on infants under 2 months old at all. KCHD recommends putting netting over the infant’s stroller. DEET-containing products should be avoided for children 24 months of age or younger, and those containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.  When using repellent on children, put it on your hands first, then on the child.  Children tend to put their hands in or near their mouths, so don't apply repellent to a child's hands.

After you get back indoors, wash off the repellent with soap and water, and wash treated clothing before wearing it again.

West Nile or not, no one likes mosquitoes.  Let's stay safe and itch-free as we prepare for what could be a summer filled with lots of mosquitoes.

The CDC has a United States map which shows where West Nile Virus is active.

Learn more about the signs and risks associated with West Nile Virus.