West Nile Virus Identified *IN* St. Joseph County

Thursday September 19, 2024

MDHHS has identified an unvaccinated horse in St. Joseph County that has died from the West Nile Virus

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has notified the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency of the death of an unvaccinated horse in St. Joseph county confirmed to have West Nile Virus (WNV). As of September 13, 2024, there have been 49 birds and 3 horses across the state of Michigan confirmed to have WNV. This is the second WNV animal detection in our three counties during September. West Nile Virus has also sickened 14 residents in 11 counties in the state this year; Berrien, Calhoun, Delta, City of Detroit Genesee (2), Jackson (2), Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb (2), Monroe, and Wayne. There are currently no human cases in our jurisdiction.

“We have seen an increase in human and animal cases across the state of Michigan since our first reported animals found in the jurisdiction on September 9, 2024. Residents are reminded to take steps to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitos. West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis are two diseases that can be transmitted to humans and animals through mosquito bites,” says Rebecca Burns, Health Officer.

West Nile Virus is not shared person to person, or animal to person, an infected mosquito must bite an individual or animal. Most people who are infected with the virus will show mild or no symptoms. If someone experiences symptoms, it is usually between three and fifteen days of being bitten. Mild symptoms include fever, confusion, muscle weakness and severe headache. More serious complications may include meningitis or encephalitis. West Nile Virus can affect anyone, but individuals over the age of 50 are at increased risk for more severe symptoms. If you experience serious symptoms, contact your health care provider.

Taking precautions to reduce mosquito bites when outdoors at dawn and dusk can reduce your risk.

• Wear long sleeve, light colored clothing.

• Use an EPA registered insect repellent as directed. Find the insect repellent that’s right for you by using EPA’s search tool.

• When using insect repellent on a baby or child always follow the instructions on the container. Do not use repellent on babies under 2 months of age. Avoid spraying the child’s hands, eyes, mouth, and cut or irritated skin. Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on a child under 3 years of age.

• Deter mosquitoes from your property by eliminating and reducing potential breeding areas, such a stagnant water in old tires, bird baths, or containers. If you have livestock water troughs, empty and refill weekly until first frost. Keep your grass cut short and shrubs trimmed. Clean debris from gutters.

To protect your animals:

• Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating horses against EEE.

• Place horses in a barn under fans during peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn.

• Use an insect repellant on the animals that is approved for the species.

• Eliminate standing water on the property (fill in puddles, repair eaves, and change the water in buckets and bowls at least once a day).

• Contact your veterinarian if a horse shows signs of the illness: loss of awareness of their surroundings, walk in circles, exhibit muscle paralysis, stupor, lethargy, and loss of coordination.

You can find up to date information on mosquito borne illnesses at the Michigan Emerging Diseases website www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/home/west-nile.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is committed to helping people live healthier.