West Nile death reported in Kent County

A Kent County resident who was hospitalized with West Nile Virus has died due to complications of the illness, the county health department reported Monday.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services had confirmed Thursday that the state had had eight recorded human cases of West Nile virus in 2018 along with one death in Wayne County. The death in Kent County marks the second in the state.

The cases range from one in Berrien County, confirmed Thursday, Aug. 23; one in Kent County; one in Oakland County; and five in Wayne County, which includes the single death. All individuals excluding one have been hospitalized with neurological disease.

The state health department reported that in addition to the eight human cases, three Michigan blood donors have had the virus detected in their blood.

“As the fall approaches, it’s vital to remember that mosquito bite protection should continue until the weather significantly cools,” said Eden Wells, the state health department's chief medical executive. “It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to cause a severe illness, so take extra care during peak mosquito-biting hours, which are dusk and dawn for the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus.”

The department reports that the virus has been confirmed in 66 birds tested in 21 of Michigan's 83 counties. Adding to that, 74 mosquito pools have tested positive.

Kent County health officials said Monday that the agency has noted a 400 percent increase in the number of culex mosquitoes that have been trapped this summer. The culex mosquito is the species that transmits West Nile Virus to humans. Health officials said those increased numbers might signal higher numbers of human West Nile Virus cases for the 2018 season.

There is no vaccine or cure for West Nile. The best treatment is prevention.

Health officials recommend:

• Use insect repellent that contains the active ingredient DEET.
  
• Drain all standing water, from flower pots, pet bowls, clogged rain gutters, buckets, barrels, and cans.
• Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn when mosquito activity is high.
  
• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

Only about 20 percent of the people infected with West Nile will notice symptoms that might include headache, body aches, joint pains and fatigue. Most will completely recover. However, West Nile can develop into a severe illness that can affect the central nervous system. Some damage to the central nervous system can be permanent. In rare instances the disease can lead to death.