ESCANABA — West Nile virus has been found in birds in Delta and Luce counties, according to local health departments.

The LMAS District Health Department and Public Health, Delta & Menominee Counties were recently notified of American crows from Luce County and Delta County that have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The presence of WNV in wild bird populations is a strong indication that WNV is carried by local mosquitos in Luce County, Delta County, and throughout the entire U.P.

Although WNV has been detected in the Upper Peninsula in previous years, these recent detections serve as a reminder to residents to take precautions and protect themselves from mosquito bites to avoid contracting WNV.

Symptoms of WNV occur three to 15 days after becoming infected from a mosquito bite and include fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes skin rash and/or swollen glands. In some cases, the virus can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, which can be fatal or cause permanent damage. If anyone develops any of these symptoms, they should call their health care provider.

Residents can stay healthy by following steps to avoid mosquito bites:

– Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved product, to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.

– Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.

– Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.

– Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.

– Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.

Mosquito-borne illness will continue to be a risk in Michigan until late fall when nighttime temperatures consistently fall below freezing.

For more information about mosquito-borne diseases, visit Michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.