An Oakland County resident has a probable case of West Nile virus, the first in the county in 2026.
The Oakland County Health Division announced the case Thursday, Sept. 10, and urged residents to take precautions against mosquito bites through the fall. The Health Division did not release details about the patient, citing health privacy laws.
The case adds Oakland County to a growing statewide tally. Seven human cases of mosquito-borne illness have been confirmed in Michigan in 2026: six West Nile virus (WNV) and one eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). The state's first WNV case was detected in August through routine screening of a blood donation, CBS Detroit reported.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has logged 407 West Nile cases across 40 states, according to Patch. The country recorded its earliest start to the WNV season and the most cases by the end of June since 2004.
Kate Guzman, health officer for the Oakland County Health Division, called the case an important reminder that mosquito-borne diseases remain active in the fall.
"We strongly encourage residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes until the first hard frost of the year," Guzman said in a statement.
Who is most at risk
Most people infected with WNV have no symptoms or experience mild illness such as fever, headache and body aches. The virus can also cause brain swelling. People over 50 are more likely to develop serious, potentially life-threatening symptoms.
How to protect yourself
The Health Division recommends these steps, especially for older adults:
- Use EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD). Do not use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3.
- Eliminate standing water around your home weekly. Empty tires, buckets, planters, birdbaths, pet bowls and flower pots. Clean clogged roof gutters.
- Wear long sleeves and pants outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Check window and door screens for holes.
Standing water in retention ponds or drainage ditches can be treated with mosquito larvicide, available at most home improvement stores.
Mosquito season continues
Mosquitoes remain active until the first hard frost, which in Michigan falls around Oct. 24, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac.
Residents with questions can reach the Oakland County Health Division at OakGov.com/Health or by calling the Oakland Connects Helpline at 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
