A routine blood donation screening on Thursday, August 13th, revealed the first West Nile Virus-related case in Kent County since August 2025. Tragically, last year’s case resulted in death.
West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes and is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the U.S., but its effects can vary from person to person.
While most people show no symptoms, about 1 in 5 develop mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches or rash. About 1 in 150 develop a severe illness that affects the central nervous system, which can be fatal.
Kent County Health Department recommends using insect repellant containing 10-35% DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants, avoiding outdoor activities at dawn or dusk, eliminating standing water around your home, and keeping screens and gutters in good repair.
KCHD’s Mosquito Surveillance Team is monitoring local mosquito populations for numerous viruses through late September, when their populations significantly decline.
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