A device used to capture mosquitoes to determine population size and to determine if populations are carrying diseases such as West Nile virus. (July 13, 2021)
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Kent County Health Department said a mosquito found in a test pool tested positive for The Jamestown Canyon Virus.
Japanese pox virus is one of several mosquito-borne diseases that health officials routinely monitor each summer. This case was discovered in a swimming pool in the 49504 ZIP code, which covers part of northwest Grand Rapids and the southeast edge of Walker.
Typically, a person infected with the JC virus experiences fever, headache, and fatigue. In rare cases, the disease can cause serious health problems, including encephalitis and meningitis, which can be fatal.
There is no vaccine or medication to treat or prevent JCV, so health experts recommend people take proper precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
The KCHD recommends several preventative measures, including:
- Wear mosquito repellent containing between 10 and 35% DEET
- Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants
- Stay indoors during twilight
- Removing or refreshing water from bird baths, wading pools and other standing water
- Ensure that window screens are properly sealed.
The latest data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Servicesreleased Friday, shows five cases of mosquito-borne infections in animals and 17 positive tests in mosquitoes from test pools.
All five animal cases were detected in birds. All five are infected with West Nile virus and were found in Delta, Luce, Marquette, Mason and Saginaw counties.
Seven mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus, including three in Kent and Bay counties and one in St. Clair County.
Ten mosquitoes tested positive for JCV, including four in Saginaw County, three in Bay County and one each at CalhounDickinson and Kent Counties.
So far this summer, no confirmed human infections with mosquito-borne viruses have been reported.
News Source : www.woodtv.com
Gn Health
