West Nile Virus Cases Rise To Seven In Michigan After Ionia County Confirmation

Another county in Michigan has had a human test positive for the West Nile Virus.

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Officials with the Ionia County Health Department have confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus of the season, bringing the total number of human cases in Michigan to at least seven.

What Is West Nile Virus

The main way people get infected with West Nile virus is through mosquito bites.

These mosquitoes become infected after feeding on birds that carry the virus.

In rare cases, the virus can be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or from a pregnant or breastfeeding mother to her baby.

Read More: First West Nile Virus Death of 2025 in Kent County

West Nile Virus Symptoms

According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 people will develop a mild illness called West Nile fever, which can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches and joint pain
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Rash
  And in less than 1% of cases, a person can develop a severe illness that affects the central nervous system, such as meningitis.

Severe symptoms require immediate medical attention, especially if the person is over 60 or has medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, or kidney disease.

Read More: 25 Things Michigan Is Known And Famous For

Is there A Vaccine For West Nile Virus

Currently there is no vaccine for West Nile Virus.

But there are steps you can take to help protect yourself which include:

• Use insect repellent.
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when outside.
• Avoiding outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are active.
• Eliminating standing water around your home; this is where mosquitoes lay their eggs