4/11/13 - After several cases of West Nile Virus struck in the area last year, Highland Township is preparing to combat the disease this year. West Nile Virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, produces a variety of symptoms including headache and fever, and can result in neurological disease or death in vulnerable individuals. Oakland County offers a program that will reimburse participating municipalities for whatever they spend on combating the disease. With several reported cases of West Nile in 2012, the Highland Township Board voted unanimously last night to take advantage of the program. Supervisor Rick Hamill tells WHMI that the township is planning different levels of response depending on the spread of West Nile this year. He says the first step in fighting the disease is education, beginning with pamphlets that will be distributed by the township to residents. They will explain what the virus is, how it spreads, and steps that can be taken to reduce the local mosquito population and exposure to West Nile. These include getting rid of objects like old tires that can create standing water, which is a natural breeding ground for both mosquitoes and the virus. If cases of West Nile start cropping up regularly, Hamill says the township may turn to eradication methods such as spraying to combat the mosquito population. (TD)
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