Michigan confirms 1st case of West Nile Virus

Michigan health and wildlife officials report confirming the state's first West Nile virus activity for 2015 after detecting it in three crows in Ingham County.

The birds were found dead in early June and tested positive for the virus at Michigan State University.

State officials said Friday that residents should apply bug spray during peak mosquito biting periods such as dusk and dawn. People also are urged to drain standing water around their homes.

Mosquitoes pick up the virus from infected birds and pass it to people.

Many people infected with the virus have no symptoms, but it can cause a sometimes fatal neurologic illness.

The Department of Natural Resources is asking residents to alert the agency if they find sick or dead crows, blackbirds, owl, hawks or other birds.