In Kent and Ottawa Counties, three residents have been hospitalized after contracting West Nile virus from infected mosquitos. Two in Ottawa County, the most since 2018, and one in Kent County. All three reporting travel limited to the area suggesting WNV infected mosquitos are in West Michigan.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, “About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.” While most infected people don’t experience symptoms, for those who do, it includes fever, headache, body aches and joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea and rash.
The Kent County Health Department and Ottawa Department of Public Health say with unseasonably warm weather, mosquitos will remain active. Both departments recommend taking precautions if your plans include outdoor activities. Wear mosquito repellent containing 10-35% DEET, wear light colored clothing and at dusk, head indoors.