A horse in Jackson County has tested positive for the West Nile Virus. The Jackson County Health Department says state lab tests show the horse in the Springport area contracted the virus despite being immunized. The Department says the vaccine may not have triggered a response because the horse is 31 years old.
West Nile is transmitted by mosquitoes. Most people who are infected show no symptoms. About 20% develop mild flu-like symptoms. One in 150 people will become seriously ill with symptoms including muscle weakness, loss of vision, confusion, tremors and paralysis. The virus can be deadly for the elderly and people with weak immune systems.
Jackson County is also using a state grant to trap mosquitoes to see if any capable of carrying the Zika Virus are in Mid-Michigan. So far, none are.
