GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Three mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have been found in two Kent County ZIP codes.
Tests have revealed the presence of mosquitoes containing the virus in ZIP codes 49504 and 49525, Kent County Health Department officials announced Tuesday. There have been no reported cases of humans contracting the virus in Kent County.
Zip code 49504 is primarily defined by the West Side of Grand Rapids, and ZIP code 49525 encompasses parts of the municipalities of Plainfield and Grand Rapids.
“Discovering these mosquito cases should serve as a reminder to all of us living in western Michigan that the West Nile virus season is upon us,” said Brendan Earl, health supervisor for the health department, in a statement.
“It is important for people to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites as much as possible.”
West Nile virus is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, and symptoms associated with the virus include headache, body aches, joint pain, and fatigue. According to the health department, only about 20 percent of people infected with the virus will notice their symptoms.
Most make a full recovery, but some may have fatigue that lasts for weeks or months. About one in 150 people can develop a serious illness that affects the central nervous system, health department officials said.
Authorities say some of the damage may be permanent and, rarely, the disease can lead to death.
Since there is no vaccine or cure for West Nile, the best treatment is prevention. Health department officials recommend mosquito repellent that contains 10 to 35% DEET, wear light-colored clothing, and stay indoors at dusk.
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant pools, so removing or refreshing water in bird baths, kiddie pools, pet water bowls, and other containers that collect water can help control local populations, according to the health department. .
Keeping lawns and bushes trimmed also helped. More prevention information can be found here.
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