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The Marquette County Well being Division (MCHD) has just lately been made conscious that two hawks in Marquette County, Michigan have examined constructive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This discovering means that native mosquitoes in Marquette County, in addition to all through the U.P., are carrying the virus. In gentle of this info, residents are strongly suggested to take precautions to guard themselves from mosquito bites and cut back the chance of contracting WNV.
Signs of WNV sometimes seem between three to fifteen days after being bitten by an contaminated mosquito. These signs could embody fever, headache, physique aches, and typically a pores and skin rash or swollen glands. In extreme circumstances, the virus can result in encephalitis, which is irritation of the mind and will be deadly or trigger everlasting harm. The MCHD recommends that anybody experiencing these signs ought to contact their healthcare supplier.
To remain wholesome and decrease the chance of mosquito bites, residents are inspired to observe these preventative measures:
1. Apply insect repellents containing DEET, or one other EPA-approved product, to uncovered pores and skin or clothes. It is very important all the time observe the producer’s directions when utilizing these merchandise.
2. Put on long-sleeved shirts and lengthy pants when spending time outdoor, and apply insect repellent to clothes to additional forestall bites.
3. Preserve correctly fitted window and door screens to maintain mosquitoes out of the house.
4. Take away any standing water from potential mosquito breeding websites across the property. This consists of emptying buckets, unused kiddie swimming pools, previous tires, and related areas the place mosquitoes could lay their eggs.
5. Think about using nets and/or followers to create a barrier towards mosquitoes in outside consuming areas.
It is very important observe that the chance of mosquito-borne sicknesses stays till late fall, when nighttime temperatures persistently drop beneath freezing. For extra detailed details about mosquito-borne illnesses, residents can go to Michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.
