GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Kent County Health Department says it is tracking a case of West Nile Virus in a county resident.
It says that person likely contracted the virus after being bit by a mosquito in the 49507 zip code. That is the likely locations because that patient hasn't traveled much recently. The health department says the patient is in the hospital, and that no further patient details will be released.
The health department also says more people will be spending time outdoors this weekend due to the unseasonably warm weather. But KCHD Administrative Health Officer Adam London says they should be aware that mosquitoes are still quite active at this time of year.
"It continues to be important that people take measures to protect themselves from being bitten," he said.
According to a Health Department news release:
The best treatment for West Nile Virus is prevention. The KCHD recommends wearing a mosquito repellant that contains 10 - 35% DEET, wearing light colored clothing, and staying indoors during dusk. To learn more about the choices and usage of insect repellants, click here. You can help stop mosquitoes from breeding by removing any standing water in your yard and keeping your lawn and shrubs cut.
West Nile Virus is the most common mosquito borne illness in the United States. Most people who become infected with West Nile Virus will never know it but about 20% of those infected may develop a fever or other symptoms. In rare cases West Nile Virus can become a serious and sometimes fatal illness.
For more information about West Nile Virus, click here.
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