2023 West Nile Virus Activity information
Mosquito-borne diseases are those spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, and include Zika virus, West Nile virus, Jamestown Canyon virus, St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE) virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, and LaCrosse (LAC) virus.
Oakland County Residents are urged to follow prevention tips to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases.
The best way to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes is to avoid being bitten. The following can help protect you and your family from mosquito bites:
Oakland County provides funding to assist interested Oakland County cities, village, and townships (CVTs) with instituting public health measures (such as personal protection and larviciding) to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease. Appropriation available to each CVT is based on total population (75%) and total square miles (25%). The majority of Oakland County CVTs participate in the program annually. Funding was established by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in 2013.
To be eligible for reimbursement, CVTs must:
The program operates from March through August and encompasses the prevention of all mosquito-borne diseases.
For more information, contact Genessa Doolittle at doolittleg@oakgov.com or 248-496-4590.
Using a mix of Light traps and BG Sentinel 2 traps, Oakland County Health Division collects thousands of mosquitoes from June through October. Mosquitoes are sorted by type and tested for disease by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Zika is a disease caused by the Zika virus that is spread to people mainly from the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Zika virus can also spread from a pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth. It can also spread during sex with a person who has Zike to his or her sex partners. About one in five people infected with Zika will get sick. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to one week. Most people will not realize they have been infected.
West Nile virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. Experts believe it is established as a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. It can infect humans, birds, horses and some other mammals. In a small number of people infected by the virus, the disease can be serious, even fatal.
Saint Louis Encephalitis virus (SLEV) is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most cases of SLEV disease have occurred in eastern and central states. Most persons infected with SLEV have no apparent illness.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) is a virus that can cause swelling of the brain (encephalitis). It is a mosquito-borne disease, meaning that it is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and is most commonly found in swamp and bog habitats.
Click here for more information about Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus
La Crosse Encephalitis virus (LACV) is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most cases of LACV disease occur in the upper Midwestern and mid-Atlantic and southeastern states. Many people infected with LACV have no apparent symptoms.
Jamestown Canyon virus is a potentially serious illness spread to people by infected mosquitoes. The virus is found throughout much of the United States, though most cases are reported from the upper Midwest.