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Michigan Confirms Year's 1st Human West Nile Case

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Michigan has its first confirmed human case of West Nile Virus infection, a year after at least 17 people died and 202 came down with the mosquito-borne disease in the state.

The Michigan Department of Community Health said Thursday that a man from St. Joseph County in southwestern Michigan was confirmed with West Nile Virus.

Health officials said 2012 was the worst year for West Nile Virus infections in Michigan since 2003.

State medical chief Dr. Matthew Davis says now that there's clear evidence of the disease's return, people should take time to protect themselves and their loved-ones from becoming infected.

Officials at the Centers for Disease Controy say the best way to prevent West Nile Virus is to avoid mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and para-menthane-diol (PMD) because these repellents provide longer-lasting protection than other products. Always follow the instructions on the label.

• Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk when many mosquitoes are most active.

• Repair or install screens on windows and doors. Use air conditioning, if you have it.

• Help reduce the numbers of mosquitoes around your home. Empty standing water from items such as gutters, flowerpots, buckets, and kiddie pools. Change bird baths weekly.

For more on preventing West Nile infection, visit this link.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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