West Nile virus has been found in a mosquito in southwest Ottawa County during the recent Department of Public Health summer mosquito monitoring.
The detection is not a human case and no human cases have been found in Ottawa County in 2024, but health officials are reminding residents that West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito so prevention is important.
Symptoms of illness include fever, headache, body ache, vomiting, diarrhea and or rash.
Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent when outside, wearing light colored clothing, and long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Control mosquitoes in yards by removing standing water in bird baths, children’s pools, pet bowls, or rain collection containers.