Three birds have tested posted for West Nile Virus in Grand Traverse County, according to the Grand Traverse County Health Department, which is cautioning residents to protect themselves and their animals from mosquito bites to prevent disease spread.

The Health Department was notified Friday by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that a hawk, a blue jay, and an owl in the county tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). "This indicates that the virus is present in our county and can be transmitted to humans and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito," the Health Department said in a release. "There have been no confirmed human cases of WNV in the county. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 human cases of WNV were statewide in 2024."

Most people infected with WNV don’t experience symptoms. However, some may develop mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue. In rare cases, severe symptoms can include high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, muscle weakness, tremors or seizures, and vision loss.

“Since there are no vaccines or specific treatment for WNV, we are reminding residents to protect themselves and animals from mosquito bites as the risk of getting WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases remains high until freezing weather arrives in the fall,” said GTCHD Environmental Health Director Brent Wheat.

Residents are encouraged to stay away from areas with mosquitoes, wear long sleeves and pants when outside, use insect repellent that contains the active ingredient DEET (at least 10 percent, don’t use on infants younger than two months old), and keep grass short and landscape trimmed. Residents are also advised to avoid being outside during peak mosquito activity between dusk and dawn, use windows and doors with well-maintained screens, and get rid of standing water around homes, like in flowerpots and pet bowls.

To protect animals, put farm animals in the barn during peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn, use an insect repellant on animals approved for the species, eliminate standing water, and keep landscaping trimmed. Commonly reported signs in infected animals include weakness, stumbling, trembling, head tremors, inability to fly/walk, and a lack of awareness that allows them to be easily approached and handled.