US EditionFirst West Nile Virus Death Reported in West Michigan
Kent County health officials confirm first fatal West Nile Virus case in 2025; about 1 in 150 infected individuals develop severe illness, highlighting prevention importance.
- On August 21, 2025, the Kent County Health Department confirmed the death of an adult resident from West Nile virus, marking the first fatality in the county this year.
- This fatality occurred after the recent identification of West Nile virus in local mosquito populations near the individual’s home, as well as confirmed human infections reported across several counties in Michigan this year.
- West Nile virus spreads to humans through mosquitoes that bite infected birds, and while most infected people show no symptoms, about one in five develop mild illness and one in 150 develop severe neurological illness.
- Brendan Earl, Supervising Sanitarian at KCHD, offered condolences to the family and stressed that active local mosquitoes can spread serious illness, urging prevention as the best protection.
- Health officials recommend using EPA-registered insect repellents, removing standing water, wearing protective clothing, and limiting outdoor activity from dusk to dawn to reduce infection risk.
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14 Articles
14 Articles
Michigan's first death from West Nile virus for 2025 has been recorded in Kent County
A person in West Michigan has died from the West Nile virus. The case in Kent County one of six human cases now publicly reported Michigan this year, across five counties, but is the first deadly case for 2025.
·Philadelphia, United States
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Total News Sources14
Leaning Left1Leaning Right1Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution85% Center
Bias Distribution
- 85% of the sources are Center
85% Center
C 85%
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