West Nile virus detected in Saginaw Co.

SAGINAW CO., Mich. (WNEM) – West Nile virus has been found in a dead crow in Saginaw County.

This is the first evidence detected of the virus within Saginaw County this year, according to the Saginaw County Mosquito Abatement Commission (SCMAC).

The virus was discovered in a dead crow collected in the southern area of the county during routine mosquito-borne disease surveillance, SCMAC said.

This discovery comes after the Jamestown Canyon virus was found in mosquitos in Saginaw County.

Related: Mosquito-borne virus found in Saginaw Co.

SCMAC said the threat of mosquito-borne virus infection in the county is still low but you should continue taking precautions to avoid being bitten by a mosquito.

The SCMAC said the following are the best ways to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites:

• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn.
• Apply an insect repellent that contains DEET, or other EPA-approved products according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.
• When outdoors wear light-colored, long pants and a long-sleeved shirts. Consider applying repellent to clothing.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night.
• Eliminate sources of standing water around the yard that support mosquito breeding, including water in buckets, wading pools, old tires, and any other object holding water. Contact SCMAC to report standing water

The SCMAC said it will continue with its aggressive surveillance and control effort through the end of September by targeting communities and habitats that favor the mosquito species responsible for the mosquito-borne disease.

The SCMAC strongly encourages you to report any recent dead crows or blue jays by calling 989-755-5751 or on its website.

These type of birds are of value to West Nile virus surveillance because they suffer a high mortality from and can be tested for the virus, the SCMAC said.

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