Traverse City Record-Eagle

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July 2, 2012

West Nile virus evidence found in Michigan

TRAVERSE CITY — Health officials said evidence of West Nile virus in birds and mosquitoes has surfaced in Michigan. No human cases have been reported, but health officials said it's likely that cases involving humans will occur soon.

Grand Traverse County Health Department officials did not indicate if birds have tested positive for West Nile in northwestern Michigan, but urged residents to avoid contact with mosquitoes to keep from being infected with a virus that causes serious nervous system ailments with symptoms that range from flu to coma and death.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that have bitten infected birds, health officials said. They suggested using insect repellents and avoiding places where mosquitoes thrive.

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