West Nile Virus Detected in Cass County Bird – What You Need to Know

Lawrence, MI – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed that a great blue heron found in Cass County tested positive for West Nile virus. This is part of a statewide total of 69 birds testing positive in 2025. While detection in birds does not mean humans will get sick, it signals the virus is present in local mosquitoes.

What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness that can affect humans and animals. Most people infected do not develop symptoms. About 1 in 5 may experience mild illness called West Nile fever, including:

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Rash

In rare cases, the virus can cause severe neurological illness.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
You can take simple steps to reduce your risk and prevent mosquito breeding:

• Eliminate standing water in containers such as buckets, flowerpots, tires, and gutters.
• Use EPA-registered insect repellent, like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Wear long sleeves and pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Stay Informed
VBCDHD continues to monitor mosquito activity and provide updates to the community. Learn more about mosquito and tick safety, prevention tips, and local resources here: Mosquito & Tick Information – VBCDHD

For additional questions, call 800.210.1921.

Read VBCDHD press release here.