Let's play a game of what else can go wrong in 2020. If 2020 wasn't crazy enough already here comes another virus. As if the first one wasn't scary enough, let's add another one to the list.
The West Nile Virus is back for the season. Both Michigan, and California, reported capturing mosquitoes infected with the virus.
Although the West Nile Virus is found frequently in birds, it can be passed on to humans by being bitten by an infected mosquito, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to RedState
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first case of West Nile virus in 2020.
The MDHHS said the virus was reported in a captive hawk from Lapeer County.
On an even scarier note, they gave a heads-up about another mosquito-borne illness, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE):
In terms of EEE, the MDHHS said the state of Michigan experiences the worst outbreak ever recorded in 2019, with EEE activity reported in 20 Michigan counties with 50 cases in animals and 10 people infected including six deaths.
WILX also shared a list of helpful ways the MDHHS gave to stay safe from West Nile Virus — and they apply wherever you happen to live:
Eliminating all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding around your home, including water in birdbaths, abandoned swimming pools, wading pools, old tires and any other object holding water once a week.
Making sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings.
They also suggested liberal application of EPA-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone.
There are no vaccines to prevent West Nile Virus or medications to treat the disease. Officials say 20% of the people infected suffer symptoms, that include fever, headache, nausea, fatigue, skin rash, or swollen glands and According to the CDC one in every 150 infected can turn deadly.