First reported instance of West Nile virus in a human documented by Michigan health authorities in the year 2025
Headline: West Nile Virus: Michigan Residents Urged to Take Precautions Against Mosquito-Borne Disease
As the warm weather sets in, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging residents to take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus (WNV).
Body:
The WNV, an infectious disease spread by mosquitoes, has been detected in several counties across Michigan, including Bay, Kalamazoo, Kent, Macomb, Midland, Saginaw, Tuscola, and Wayne counties, as well as Livingston County in 2024 and 2025.
The virus can range from asymptomatic to severe neurological disease. About 80% of infected people have no symptoms, while around 20% develop a mild illness with fever, headache, body and joint aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe infection occurs in approximately 1 in 150 people and involves the central nervous system, manifesting as encephalitis (brain inflammation), meningitis (brain/spinal cord lining inflammation), or flaccid paralysis.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, advises using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors during times when mosquitoes are active, and limiting outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Repellents and Precautions
EPA-registered insect repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol can provide protection against mosquito-borne illnesses. However, be careful when using repellent on children's hands as it may irritate the eyes and mouth.
In addition to repellents, it's essential to wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of buildings, and get rid of mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water around your home.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment options for WNV are primarily supportive because there is no specific antiviral medication or cure for humans. Mild cases usually require rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or NSAIDs (ibuprofen) to reduce fever, pain, and swelling, with caution for potential side effects or contraindications. Severe cases, especially with neurological involvement, may require hospitalization for monitoring, breathing support (oxygen or ventilator), intravenous fluids, seizure control, and measures to decrease brain swelling and pressure. Antibiotics may be given if a secondary bacterial infection occurs.
Prevention focuses on mosquito bite avoidance, as no human vaccine exists. It's crucial to treat standing water that cannot be eliminated with a mosquito larvicide.
Key Points
- Most people recover fully, but fatigue and weakness can persist for weeks or months.
- Neurological damage from severe illness may be permanent.
- No human vaccine exists, so prevention focuses on mosquito bite avoidance using repellents, protective clothing, and reducing standing water.
Stay informed and stay safe. By taking these precautions, you can help protect yourself and your family from the risks of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.
- In light of the increased presence of West Nile Virus in Michigan, it's important for residents to stay updated on the latest news regarding health-and-wellness, specifically mosquito-borne diseases.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using EPA-registered insect repellents, such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol, to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses when engaging in fitness-and-exercise activities outdoors.
- Health officials are urging individuals to pay particular attention to mental-health, ensuring they prioritize self-care and stress management amidst the ongoing crisis of mosquito-borne diseases like the West Nile Virus in their community.
- As part of efforts to combat the West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, some researchers are exploring novel approaches, such as the use of CBD, a cannabis extract, as a potential treatment for preventing mosquito bites and alleviating itchiness or discomfort.
- In the realm of science, the ongoing research into the West Nile Virus, a disease affecting both humans and animals, has led to a greater understanding of medical-conditions related to mosquito-borne diseases, paving the way for more effective treatments and prevention strategies in the future.
