BY JESI MUNGUIA
The mosquito-borne West Nile Virus has arrived early this year. Now, state health officials are urging Michigan residents to take some precautionary steps to "Fight the Bite" this season.
A case of West Nile Virus has recently been detected in Gratiot County in a wild turkey.
Angela Minicuci with the MDCH said the mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus prefer dry conditions and dirty stagnant water.
She said there are a few ways people can protect their homes and themselves from getting bit by a contaminated mosquito.
"We recommend that they flush out water around their homes. So anything that isn't being periodically flushed out by rain make sure you're periodically cleaning that out. In addition make sure that your windows and your screens on your doors are in good shape. And then additionally we recommend that individuals use insect repellents that contain deet," Minicuci said.
Minicucci said last year was a record year for West Nile in Michigan; The state had the second highest number of cases ever reported.
She said there were just over 200 cases and 17 fatalities in the state, and she's hoping to keep this summer from meeting or exceeding those levels.