Health officials in Saginaw county say they’re seeing an uptick in West Nile cases after what had been a quiet summer.
The Saginaw County Mosquito Abatement Commission found four dead birds, 3 crows and one blue jay, that tested positive for the disease last week.
Director of the abatement commission, Bill Stanuszek said in previous summers there was WNV activity in the beginning and middle of summer, but this year had a slower start.
Stanuszek also said no human cases have been reported.
““80 percent of us will show no signs of infection, 20 percent of the population is thought to be symptomatic so they’ll show some sort of symptoms and overwhelming majority of people that are showing symptoms it’s going to be a fever-like illness that kind just takes the wind out of your sails for about a week,” he said.
Stanuszek said one in 150 people infected with West Nile virus may require hospitalization due to swelling in the brain.
The mosquito abatement commission is asking residents to report any dead blue jays or crows, and to wear repellent as well as long sleeves and pants whenever it is possible.