The virus that is responsible for West Nile Fever has been detected in Michigan this summer.
So far, the only cases have been identified in birds and mosquitoes, but it's likely that human cases will occur soon, according to the Grand Traverse County Health Department.
West Nile virus is transmitted to a human by a mosquito that has previously bitten an infected bird. It is a serious infection of the central nervous system that causes symptoms ranging from limited flu-like illness to delirium, coma and even brain damage or death.
The best way to ensure you do not contract the virus is to avoid mosquitoes as much as possible. The Grand Traverse County Health Department urges everyone to use bug repellant when in outdoor settings, avoiding the early morning and twilight times when insect activity is the highest, and keeping screens at home in good repair.
