1st Human Case Of West Nile Virus Confirmed In Michigan

Some Michigan mosquitoes have been confirmed to carry the West Nile virus and now the first human case of a Michigander is confirmed.

How Serious is the West Nile Virus for Humans?

For most of my lifetime, when hearing about the West Nile virus it was always associated with other countries. In 1999 West Nile was introduced to the United States and has quickly spread across the country.

The West Nile virus is spread by those pesky mosquitoes (if we already didn't like them enough). The virus can cause neurological disease and death in humans.

It's crazy to think a mosquito bite can lead to a serious illness that affects the human brain. Symptoms tend to appear within 3-15 days after a bite from a mosquito infected with the virus.  Severe symptoms include coma, convulsions, disorientation, a high fever, muscle weakness, numbness, paralysis, tremors, and vision loss.

Most humans who get the virus suffer mild symptoms like eye irritation, fever, headache, rash, or swollen nodes. Less than 1% of people infected will develop a severe case but it can be fatal, and cause permanent neurological damage, memory loss, hearing loss, and difficulty walking. Some mosquitos in West Michigan tested positive for the West Nile virus in 2024 and now Michigan's first human case has been confirmed.

Read More: West Nile Virus Has Been Found In Kent County

1st Human Case Of West Nile Virus Confirmed In Michigan

According to WOOD, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the first human case of the West Nile virus in 2024 happened to a person living in Livingston County.

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No word on the condition of the person who is confirmed to have the West Nile virus. Your best line of defense for your family is when outdoors use mosquito repellent with at least 10% DEET. Stay indoors around dusk to avoid contact with mosquitoes.