Two dead crows found in Oakland and Macomb counties died of the West Nile Virus, MSU officials said.
After the birds were found Aug. 8 in Royal Oak and Aug. 10 in Clinton Township by local residents, animal shelters in both counties sent them to the Michigan Department of Agriculture, which then sent them to the MSU Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory for further testing, said Steve Gold, a deputy health officer for the Macomb County Health Department.
A third infected crow was found in Windsor, Ontario, Aug. 14.
The disease, to which there is no vaccine and no specific treatment, is spread from mosquitos carrying the virus, according to the Center for Disease Control.
“We’re not too worried because the risk of getting the virus is rather low,” said Mary Jo DiPaolo, a human resource specialist for the city of Royal Oak. “Less than 1 percent of the mosquito population will actually have the virus.”
The two infected crows were the first cases in Michigan.
Less than 1 percent of people bitten by an infected mosquito experience any of the virus’ symptoms, such as a mild fever or headache.
The first American outbreak of the West Nile Virus occurred in New York in 1999. Sixty two people there became ill and seven people died. Since then, the virus has spread to 12 states along the East Coast.
While East Lansing residents are in no immediate danger, it is unknown how long it will be until the infected mosquitos make their way here.
“History shows that once it comes into an area, it establishes and spreads through there,” said Ned Walker, an associate professor of entomology. “We’re speculative about what it’s going to do next.”
Although the risk of infection is small, officials in affected cities want residents to take precautions while mosquito activity is still high.
“We’re telling residents they should use repellent and make sure their screens are in good repair,” said DiPaolo.
DiPaolo also recommended residents not leave standing water in their yards, such as flower pots and pet bowls and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants in the evening.
For MSU students from Macomb and Oakland counties though, the dangers of the virus hit closer to home.
“My family lives (in Royal Oak),” said Matt Hynes, a pre-vet and microbiology sophomore. “It’s kind of scary to know there’s a virus out there that has no cure.”
