SAGINAW, MI (WNEM) -
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has ranked Michigan in the top 10 for West Nile illnesses and deaths.
There have been three confirmed deaths related to the virus, and Midland County Mosquito Control Director Tom Wilmot said abatement programs across Mid-Michigan are working overtime to try to contain the West Nile virus.
"In the Mid-Michigan areas, we're lucky we have the mosquito control programs and we're out their trying to kill the mosquitos before they get old enough to transmit the disease," said Wilmot.
The virus, transmitted by mosquitos, can cause people to get sick or can even be deadly. Wilmot says right now, the best bet for residents is to wear strong insect repellant and even go indoors if mosquitos are too bad.
"Primarily what we're doing is directing our effort as much as possible where we find the West Nile Virus," said Wilmot.
And for people who went to the football season opener at Saginaw Nouvel High School Thursday night, they say they know this threat is real, and they're doing what they can to stay safe.
"It's a little scary, but we need to make sure we take precautions, and watch what we're doing and make sure we're using insect repellant when your outside," said Saginaw resident Reina Lisa Foster.
And experts say that's a good idea. They're calling this year one of the worst for the virus, and the experts point out it's important to be informed.
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