Human case of West Nile virus identified in Pittsfield Township

To prevent West Nile, protect against mosquito bites.

Laura Bauman, epidemiologist for the county, said the man was bitten by mosquitos, had symptoms and sought treatment after reading information on the Internet that led him to believe he may have West Nile.

Initial testing confirmed the virus, but an additional test is needed, Bauman said. She said the man was not hospitalized, but declined to release further details on him, including his age.

The West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause mild-to-severe illness in humans and other animals. Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile virus when they feed on infected birds that carry the virus in their blood. Crows, blue jays and raven are particularly susceptible to the disease and can be a good indicator for the presence of the virus.

In Michigan, West Nile traditionally circulates in August and September, the county said.

The county previously tested dead birds for the presence of West Nile, but that testing was eliminated two summers ago in budget cuts, Bauman said. When people report dead birds to the county, Bauman charts them to see whether any patterns exist.

"Testing in birds used to give us a heads-up that the virus was circulating and we'd wait to see if it presented in humans," Bauman said. "Reports of birds have been light this summer because I don't think West Nile has really been on people's radar."

But mosquito activity has been high this summer, Bauman said.

Symptoms of West Nile virus usually include a fever, rash, body ache and headache. Bauman said she believes the virus is underdiagnosed because people may not recognize their symptoms or require medical treatment.

Bauman warned people to take precautions to protect against the virus, which is fatal in rare cases. Pittsfield Township officials also issued an alert about the virus this afternoon, encouraging residents to protect themselves when outside.

"It's really important right now to protect from mosquito bites and use repellent or wear long sleeves," she said. "Keep in mind that while mosquitos are always annoying, they may now carry a potentially serious disease."

In addition, residents are encouraged to eliminate standing water on their property, which is a breeding ground for mosquitos, and report dead birds to the county's West Nile hotline at (734) 544-6750.

More information on West Nile is available on the public health website.