With the detection of the first mosquito-borne virus of 2023 in Michigan, health officials are alerting listeners that prevention is the best way to protect themselves against illness.
Officials say mosquitoes recently collected in Saginaw County tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus.
While most people who contract the Virus don’t show any symptoms, it can lead to severe illness, including Encephalitis and Meningitis in some individuals.
Other mosquito-borne viruses include West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
The diseases have been on the rise in recent years.
Officials recommend the following steps to avoid mosquito-borne diseases:
Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other EPA-approved products to exposed skin or clothing;
Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors;
Maintain window and door screens to help keep mosquitoes outside;
Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs.
Dry weather in recent weeks hasd kept the mosquito population down–However, this week’s rains are likely to contribute to a significant increase in their numbers.