Washtenaw County public health officials on the hunt for West Nile virus

Thought the West Nile virus was so five years ago? Think again.

With mosquitos in full force, Washtenaw County health officials say they're on the lookout for cases of West Nile virus and need the public's help to find it.

On Thursday, the county health department announced limited annual surveillance for the West Nile virus has begun. County residents are asked to report any dead birds they find and are being urged to prevent mosquito bites.

The hotline for reporting dead birds is 734-544-6750.

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, said Laura Bauman, epidemiologist for the county.

FIND OUT MORE

For more information on the West Nile virus, visit the county's website at http://westnile.ewashtenaw.org, the state website at www.michigan.gov/westnilevirus or the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/westnile.

“Although the past two summers have been mild, and Washtenaw County hasn't had a human case reported since 2006, West Nile virus is endemic and has the potential to become more active again,” Dr. Diana Torres-Burgos, Washtenaw County's medical director, said in a statement.

About 20 percent of those who are infected with the virus become ill within 15 days of a bite from an infected mosquito. Symptoms can range from slight fever, headache, body aches and rash to high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, mental confusion, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.

Residents are also asked to empty any standing water from buckets, flowerpots, saucers, pools, patio furniture covers or other sites on their property where mosquitoes can lay eggs. It is also suggested residents keep tall weeds trimmed from areas where humans spend their time outdoors.

Tina Reed covers health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. You can reach her at tinareed@annarbor.com, call her at 734-623-2535 or find her on Twitter @TreedinAA.