The Kent County Health Department has detected West Nile virus in mosquitoes in Kent County.
In a news release, Kent County Health Officials say this is not a human case. The discovery was made by the KCHD Mosquito Surveillance Team as part of ongoing tracking that takes place throughout the county every summer.
The discovery comes after testing pools of mosquitoes that were trapped by KCHD in the 49519 ZIP code. This is the first known finding of WNV in Michigan this year.
Paul Bellamy, Public Health Epidemiologist at KCHD, says quote, “This discovery is important because it lets us know that this season’s mosquitoes are now carrying the virus and it could spread to humans,” He adds, “It is important for people to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites as much as possible.” end quote.
Since there is no vaccine or cure for WNV, the best treatment is prevention. KCHD recommends in part, wearing mosquito repellant that contains 10 to 35 percent DEET and wearing light colored clothing.
More information about the WNV can be found at accesskent.com
