West Nile Virus Confirmed in Royal Oak

The West Nile Virus (WNV) has made its way to Michigan and more specifically Royal Oak, as 12 cases have been confirmed in the Oakland County. Overall, there have been 104 cases in the state with five deaths, according to the Oakland County Health Divison.

Michigan Department of Public Health public information officer, Angela Minicuci, explains virus is appearing in clusters in metro Detroit, including Royal Oak and Berkley.

“The first ring of older suburbs, where houses are so close together, is good breeding ground for mosquitoes,” she said.

There are precautions that residents should take, according to the Oakland County Health Division.

• Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Avoid shady and wooded areas during daytime hours.
• Wear light colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
• Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or other EPA approved repellent to exposed skin or clothing. Always following the manufacturer's directions for use.
• Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes out of buildings.
• Empty water from mosquito breeding sites such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs.

According to the Oakland County Health Division, about 80 percent of those infected with West Nile Virus do not have any symptoms. The other 20 percent will display mild symptoms that may mirror the flu, such as a fever, headache, muscle weakness and body aches along with skin rashes and swollen lymph glands.

More severe symptoms include headache, high fever, stiff neck, confusion, coma, tremors and paralysis. There is no treatment for the actual disease. And according to the Center for Disease Control, people over 50 are at higher risk to get the severe illness.

For more information on West Nile, call 248-858-1406 or 800-848-5533.