Kent County Health Department Issues West Nile Virus Warning

The Kent County Health Department is advising residents to take precautions when spending time outdoors after the discovery of West Nile Virus in three Michigan counties.

Officials are saying that the conditions this summer have caused mosquitoes, which carry the virus, to hatch early. West Nile Virus can be fatal, and has symptoms that include fevers, meningitis, and even encephalitis.

Washtenaw, Saginaw, and Oakland counties have all had confirmed cases of West Nile Virus this summer.

The county Health Department recommends that residents use mosquito repellent when outside and apply it to not only their skin, but their clothing. They also say that you need to follow the directions on the bottle and that repellent should not be used on children under two months old.