With the summer well underway, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is advising everyone to take steps to avoid mosquitoes. It says the first mosquito-borne virus of the year has been found in Bay, Oakland, and Saginaw counties. Mosquitoes there were found to be carrying Jamestown Canyon virus, which can lead to fever, headache, and fatigue. Although there haven’t been any Eastern Equine Encephalitis cases in Michigan yet this year, the findings are reminder to wear insect repellent containing DEET. The state health department also says everyone should wear long pants and sleeves when outdoors and eliminate standing water on their property.
