Kent County resident contracts West Nile, first human case of season

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Kent County Health Department has announced that a resident has been infected with West Nile virus , the county’s first human case of the season.

According to the KCHD, the patient was hospitalized after experiencing symptoms. Investigators determined it is most likely that the patient was infected locally. A testing pool in northwest Grand Rapids showed positive signs of West Nile virus among mosquitoes.

“This location aligns with the general area where the affected resident lives,” the KCHD said.

This patient is at least the eighth confirmed human case in Michigan this summer. Positive infections have also been found in Berrien, Delta, Genesee, Livingston, Macomb and Wayne counties.

KCHD Supervising Sanitarian Brendan Earl says the latest news should serve as a warning for people across the county to do your due diligence when it comes to protecting yourself from mosquitoes.

“This confirmed case of West Nile virus emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance and preventative measures against mosquitoes,” Earl said in a statement . “It confirms that mosquitoes in our area are actively carrying the virus, which poses a risk to humans. Everyone must take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of infection.”

According to the KCHD , approximately 80% of people infected with West Nile virus will not notice any symptoms, but they typically include body aches, joint pain and fatigue. Most WNV patients recover completely, but about 1 in 150 develop a severe illness that impacts the central nervous system. Recovery can take months, but sometimes the damage is permanent and can even be deadly.

Last year, 24 Michigan residents tested positive for West Nile virus. Since there is no vaccine or cure for WNV, the KCHD says preventative measures are the best way to stay safe.

The department recommends wearing a mosquito repellent that contains at least 10% DEET, wearing light-colored clothing and staying indoors around dusk to avoid mosquitoes’ most active time of day. The department also recommends making sure all window screens are properly sealed and removing or refreshing any standing water on your property that can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

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