SEBEWAING — Because the West Nile Virus has been found in mosquitos in the village and township of Sebewaing, there will be an informational meeting 7 p.m. Monday at the Sebewaing Township Hall, 14 East Sharpsteen St.
An APM Mosquito Control representative will be on hand to answer concerns or questions.
APM officials collected samples of Culex species mosquitoes that were carrying West Nile virus in two Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) traps set in Sebewaing Village. Although preliminary test results showed positive when tested at Michigan State University, a second test is being performed to confirm the results.
Although the virus has been found, citizens do not need to panic, according to APM Mosquito Control officials.
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This is the first indication of the West Nile virus in Huron County this year. This is also the first time Sebewaing Village and Township have had a mosquito suppression program. As part of the program, traps collect mosquito counts and does testing for the virus.
Residents can help control the virus by eliminating sources of stagnant water on their property and dumping water where possible to prevent mosquito eggs from hatching or larvae from developing into biting adults. APM has initiated additional larviciding to control mosquito larvae and adulticiding to control adult female Culex mosquitoes in the immediate area of the detection and will continue outward until the entire area has been treated and mosquito populations have dropped significantly.
The virus is spread when a mosquito bites a bird that has the virus and then bites a human.
"West Nile is a virus most commonly spread to people by mosquito bites. Most people infected with (West Nile virus) do not have symptoms. About one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness," according to information from the CDC.
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People can reduce their risk of the West Nile virus by using insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites, and staying inside during peak mosquito hours in the early morning and evening.
Residents should call APM mosquito control at 877-276-4714 or 810-766-9423 to report dead crows or blue jays. The birds should be dead less than 24 hours and in good condition (no rotting odor or presence of maggots). If you find a dead bird, don't handle the body with your bare hands. Instead, always wear gloves or scoop up the bird with a plastic bag. Homeowners may dispose of other dead bird species either in an outside garbage can or by burying the bird.
For more information about the West Nile virus, visit www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/q&a.htm or www.michigan.gov/mdch.
