Oakland County has identified its first probable human West Nile Virus case this year. Health officials are urging Birmingham and Bloomfield-area residents to guard against mosquito bites through the fall.
The Oakland County Health Division announced the case on Thursday, Sept. 10. The health division released no details about the patient, citing health privacy laws.
Separately, Michigan has confirmed seven human cases of mosquito-borne disease in 2026: six West Nile Virus (WNV) and one eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). The state's first case surfaced in Kent County on Aug. 13, detected through routine screening of a blood donation, according to WOOD TV. Wayne County reported its first case on Aug. 26, the Detroit Free Press reported.
"We strongly encourage residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes until the first hard frost of the year," Kate Guzman, health officer for the Oakland County Health Division, said in a statement.
West Nile spreads when a mosquito bites an infected bird and then bites a person. Most people who contract the virus show no symptoms or experience mild fever, headache and body aches. But in about 1 out of 150 cases, the infection can cause encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to paralysis or death, according to WOOD TV.
Adults over 50 face the highest risk of severe illness, according to the health division. The Detroit Free Press reported that people with weakened immune systems are also vulnerable.
No vaccine or treatment exists for West Nile.
The illness peaks in late August and early September, but mosquitoes remain a threat until cold weather kills them off, generally by late September or the first hard frost.
How to protect yourself
The Oakland County Health Division recommends these steps:
- Use EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD). Do not use products with OLE or PMD on children under 3.
- Eliminate standing water around your home. Empty tires, buckets, planters, birdbaths, pet bowls and flowerpots at least once a week. Clean clogged roof gutters.
- Wear long sleeves and pants, especially from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Check window and door screens for holes.
Residents can find more information at OakGov.com/Health or by calling the Oakland Connects Helpline at 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
