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GREAT RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Kent County has recorded its second West Nile virus-related death of the year.
An elderly woman died last week of complications related to the disease, the Kent County Health Department said Wednesday. His name, his age and his hometown have not been unveiled.
There have been 13 human cases of West Nile in Kent County this year. Eighty years Miguel Hernandez of Grand Rapids deceased in August after contracting the virus.
According to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, dated October 1, there would have been 76 cases of West Nile. Three were in Allegan County (one of which fatal), one in Barry County, two in Berrien County, three in Kalamazoo County, two in Ottawa County and one in St. Joseph County.
>> Online: October 1 MDHHS update (PDF) | Case map
Health officials in Kent County warned in August that it could be a bad year for West Nile after finding a unusually high number of mosquitoes who tested positive for the virus.
Health officials said about 80 percent of those infected with West Nile virus had no symptoms. About one in 150 becomes seriously ill. People over 60 are particularly vulnerable.
Although temperatures have been cool lately, health officials said the threat of West Nile persisted until the first freezing ice killed all mosquitoes carrying it. Until then, you should continue to take steps to avoid being bitten:
- Use an insect repellent containing DEET.
- Stay indoors at dawn and dusk, peak period to feed the mosquitoes.
- Wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors.
- Drain the stagnant water from your garden, which is a favorite spot for mosquitoes.
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Online:
CDC on West Nile Virus
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