HOLLAND TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Jun. 3, 2026) – The West Nile Virus is back in West Michigan.
A day after the Kent County Health Department announced two mosquitoes carrying the disease were detected in Grand Rapids and Wyoming, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health disclosed on Wednesday that an insect in the “south central” portion of the county was spotted with WNV during a regular summer monitoring effort.
In both circumstances, there were no human cases reported thus far, but each department used its announcement to go over what would occur if someone comes down with symptoms.
From the Ottawa Co. Department of Public Health: ” Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms. Those who do get sick may experience fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile virus. Serious illness is rare but can occur, especially in older adults or people with certain health conditions. Prevent mosquito bites by:
- Using an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent when you are outside.
- Wearing long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Treating clothing and outdoor gear with insect repellent.
- Remove standing water around your home—mosquitoes breed in even small amounts of water. Check bird baths, pet bowls, children’s wading pools, and any containers that collect rain.
“For more information, visit miottawa.org/outdoorhealth and cdc.gov/west-nile-virus.”
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