West Nile virus found in crows in downstate Michigan

INGHAM COUNTY — The budding summer has brought some familiar buzzing pests back. In addition to being irritating, mosquito bites can carry a potentially serious disease.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced Friday that the first West Nile virus activity in the state this year was found in crows collected in downstate Ingham County. The disease can cause serious neurological illnesses, such as menengitis and encephalitis.

Residents are advised to use mosquito repellents containing EPA-approved active ingredients during peak mosquito biting periods, such as dusk and dawn, and to drain standing water around their homes to remove mosquito breeding sites.

For information about West Nile in Michigan and to report sick or dead birds, visit www.michigan.gov/westnile. For additional information about the disease, visit www.cdc.gov/westnile.