First Human Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Oakland County

Pontiac, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed a human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in an Oakland County resident. No travel was reported by the patient. This is the first human case of WNV in Oakland County in 2025, and the second confirmed this year in Michigan.

"This is an important reminder that West Nile Virus is present in our community," said Kate Guzman, health officer for Oakland County Health Division. "We strongly encourage residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes until the first hard frost of the year."

No further information is available about the patient because of health privacy laws.

Residents, especially older adults, are urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites by following these instructions:

• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellent.
• • All EPA-registered insect repellents are evaluated for safety and effectiveness, and will contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol as the active ingredient. Repellents containing a higher percentage of the active ingredient typically provide longer-lasting protection.
  • Always follow the product label instructions.
  • Remind children not to rub their eyes or touch their mouth after using repellent on their hands, as it can cause irritation.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water around your home.
• • Turn over any container that can collect water. Once a week, empty items that hold water such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, pet bowls, flowerpots and trash containers.
  • Clean clogged roof gutters, especially if leaves tend to plug the drains.
  • Treat standing water - such as retention ponds or drainage ditches - with a mosquito larvicide. It is easy to use and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Limit outdoor activity from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Cover holes in window and door screens. Do not prop open doors.

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus. Mosquitoes are infected with the virus by biting an infected bird. The virus is then spread to humans through the bite of the infected mosquito. Most people who are infected with the virus have either no symptoms or experience a mild illness such as fever, headache, and body aches. However, in some individuals, a more serious disease-causing inflammation and swelling of the brain can develop. People older than 50 are more likely to develop serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms of West Nile Virus if they do get sick.

For more information about West Nile Virus, visit https://www.oakgov.com/health or call Nurse on Call at 800-848- 5533, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook, X and Instagram.