Pontiac, Mich. ­– Oakland County Health Division encourages residents to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases after identifying a probable human West Nile Virus (WNV) case in Oakland County. This is the county’s first probable case this year. In 2026, seven human cases of mosquito borne diseases (six WNV, one eastern equine encephalitis) have been confirmed in Michigan.

“This is an important reminder that West Nile Virus and other similar diseases are present in the Fall,” said Kate Guzmán, 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 (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) as the active ingredient. Repellents containing a higher percentage of the active ingredient typically provide longer-lasting protection.
  • Always follow the product label instructions.
  • Be careful using repellent on the hands of children as it may irritate the eyes and mouth.
  • Adults should spray insect repellent onto their hands and then apply to a child’s face.
  • Do not use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old.
• 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
• Make sure there are no 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 over the age of 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 OakGov.com/Health or call the Oakland Connects Helpline 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.

 For media inquiries, contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County public information officer, at 248-858-1048.