Accourding to the Oakland County Health Division, the West Nile Virus was found in birds and mosquitoes in Oakland County, in the summer of 2001.
In 2002 there were more than 219 confirmed cases of people infected with the virus, and 20 deaths in Oakland County.
By the summer of 2003 Oakland County experienced a mild outbreak of illness with only two confirmed cases and one possible death.
In 2004 the Oakland County Health Division plans to continue preventing the disease, caused by mosquitoes, through public education and early source reduction, according to OCHD.

To minimize the outbreak in your area follow these simple preventative measures.

n Clean clogged roof gutters
n Turn over wading pools, toys, birdbaths, boats, buckets, tires, and anything else that collect water.
n Repair leaky outdoor faucets.
n Use landscaping to eliminate standing water on property.
n Properly dispose of cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or other water-holding containers.
n Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers and cover refuse containers that are outdoors.
n Use insect repellent containing up to 35 percent DEET
n Do not use repellents on children younger than 2 years of age.
n Limit outdoor activity, primarily between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
n Report dead crows to Oakland County Health Divison (877) 377-3641.