West Nile Virus
About West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, and can infect people, horses, and many types of birds, and some other animals. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), human illness is rare, even in areas where the virus has been reported. The chance that any one person is going to become ill from a mosquito bite is low, but possible. Most people who become infected with West Nile virus will have either no symptoms or only mild ones. There is no evidence to suggest that West Nile virus can be directly spread from person to person or from animal to person.
On rare occasions, West Nile virus infection can result in a severe and sometimes fatal illness known as West Nile encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain). The risk of severe disease is higher for persons 50 years of age and older.
Prevention: Avoid Mosquito Bites to Avoid Infection
You can further reduce your chances of becoming ill by protecting yourself from mosquito bites in the following ways:
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET when you are outdoors.
- Avoid applying repellent to children under two years old.
- Read and follow product directions whenever using insect repellent.
- Wear long sleeved clothes and pants treated with repellent during peak mosquito feeding hours (dusk until dawn).
- Limit mosquito-breeding areas by eliminating unnecessary standing water sources around your home or workplace.
Reporting Dead Birds
For 2002, West Nile virus has been detected in Ingham County. Testing is no longer being done on dead birds (black birds, blue jays) but they should still be reported. Please notify the grounds department of any dead birds found on campus at 355-7750.
If you are not on campus and see dead birds, contact the West Nile Virus Hotline (888) 668-0869 and follow instructions when prompted.
Disposal of Dead Birds
You should always avoid barehanded contact when handling dead birds. Use disposable gloves to put the dead bird in a double plastic bag. If gloves are not available, turn a plastic shopping bag inside out and scoop up the bird with the bag.
If the dead bird has been reported and will not be tested, then place the bagged carcass in an outdoor garbage can for disposal. If the dead bird will be tested, you will be instructed to transport the bird to an appropriate local agency, where it can be packaged appropriately and submitted for testing.
For additional information on West Nile virus visit these Web sites:
Michigan Department of Communication and Health (MDCH)
Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
