The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Thursday confirmed eight human cases of West Nile virus for 2018.
So far, one person is dead and six people have been hospitalized with neurologic disease after getting bit by a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus. That’s according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services who released its findings Thursday.
The news comes shortly after Kent County Health Department officials called an emergency press conference last week after testing showed the number of the mosquitos carrying the virus the year had quadrupled from the region’s average.
The test results number were enough to make Kent County Health Officer Adam London nervous.
“I don’t recall a year where we have had surveillance data that was more concerning than what we have now. So I am very concerned, that people will get hurt this year if they don’t follow the precautionary measures we recommend.”
Those recommendations include using repellent containing DEET, draining standing water around the outside of your home, and avoiding outdoor activities at dusk or dawn.
According to a statement made Thursday by the Michigan Department of Health and Human services, three Michigan blood donors have had WNV detected in their blood.