Staff Report
PLYMOUTH — The West Nile Virus is becoming more problematic in parts of Michiana
Marshal County has issued a public health alert after it says West Nile Virus was detected in five pools of mosquitoes in the county.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Michigan confirmed its first death involving West Nile Virus.
The Kent County resident contracted the mosquito-borne disease and later died from it, according to the Kent County Health Department.
That represents the first West Nile Virus-related death in Kent County in 2025.
Kent County includes Grand Rapids.
No other details were released on the case.
West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that have bitten an infected bird. Health officials say the virus usually results in a mild illness known as West Nile fever, which can cause fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash.
However, a small number of people can develop a more severe form of the disease with encephalitis or meningitis and other neurological syndromes, including flaccid muscle paralysis.
“West Nile Virus is potentially a very serious disease,” said Dr. Byron Holm, local health officer for the Marshall County Health Department, in a news release. “The good news is it is also preventable.”
Health officials urge people to take the following steps to protect themselves.
- Avoid being outdoors during prime mosquito biting times (dusk to dawn)
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothes and exposed skin.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants
Health officials also say you should take the following steps to rid your property of potential mosquito breeding grounds:
- Repair failed septic systems
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors
- Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed
- Throw away old tires, tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or other unused containers that can hold water
- Empty and clean any containers used to hold water every week
- Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains
- Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with predatory fish
