With mosquito activity on the rise following recent rains, Ken Bowen of the Ionia Co. Health Dept. offers a refresher on avoiding mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illness. Primary among these illnesses in Michigan are West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

Most people bitten by a WNV-infected mosquito show no symptoms of illness. However, some people develop mild flu-like symptoms which generally last a few days. These symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and/or a body rash. An estimated 1 in 150 people infected with WNV will progress to a more severe infection. People 50 and older are more susceptible to severe WNV disease symptoms.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a rare illness in humans. Most persons infected with EEE have no apparent illness. Severe cases of EEE (involving encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain) begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting. The illness may then progress into disorientation, seizures, or coma. 

Michigan residents should take the following precautions to avoid mosquito bites throughout the spring, summer, and fall months:

1) Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes out of buildings.

2) Empty water from mosquito breeding sites such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, and old tires.  Anything that holds standing water should be emptied if possible – some mosquito species can breed in a bottle cap full of water!

3) Apply an insect repellent that contains the active ingredient DEET (or other EPA approved repellent) to exposed skin or clothing - particularly during peak mosquito activity periods such as dusk and dawn.

4) If possible, stay indoors at dusk and dawn.
5) Wear light colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.