GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Kent County Well being Division says West Nile virus has been discovered within the county whereas monitoring mosquito swimming pools.
The optimistic take a look at got here from the 49525 ZIP code, which covers a part of the town of Grand Rapids, Plainfield Township and Grand Rapids Constitution Township.
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Brendan Earl, the KCHD’s supervising sanitarian, mentioned that the virus was discovered earlier in the summertime than in earlier years. Based on Information 8 information, the virus wasn’t reported in Kent County in 2023 till early August.
“(That signifies) a necessity for heightened vigilance and preventative measures,” Earl mentioned in an announcement. “It lets us know that this season’s mosquitoes are actually carrying the virus, which might unfold to people. It’s essential for folks to take precautions to forestall mosquito bites to scale back the chance of an infection.”
Based on KCHD, roughly 80% of individuals contaminated with West Nile virus won’t discover any signs, however they usually embrace physique aches, joint ache and fatigue. Most WNV sufferers recuperate utterly, however about 1 in 150 develop a extreme sickness that impacts the central nervous system. Restoration can take months, however typically the harm is everlasting and may even be lethal.
Since there isn’t any vaccine or remedy for West Nile virus, the KCHD says preventative measures are one of the best ways to remain secure.
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The division recommends carrying a mosquito repellent that accommodates at the very least 10% DEET, carrying light-colored clothes and staying indoors round nightfall to keep away from mosquitoes’ most energetic time of day. The division additionally recommends ensuring all window screens are correctly sealed and eradicating or refreshing any standing water in your property that may function a breeding floor for mosquitoes.
As of final week, the Michigan Division of Well being and Human Companies reported eight optimistic exams of mosquito-borne viruses throughout the state, however no human instances. All eight mosquito swimming pools confirmed indicators of Jamestown Canyon virus. 4 of the optimistic exams got here from Saginaw County, three got here from Bay County and one got here from Calhoun County.
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Final yr, 24 Michigan residents examined optimistic for West Nile virus and 6 examined optimistic for JCV.