Transcript: Talk-Line with Steve Marco interviews Ashly Whaley on West Nile Virus
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West Michigan resident dies of complications of West Nile virus
A human case of West Nile virus in West Michigan has resulted in the death of that patient, local health officials confirmed. This is one of three publicly reported human cases of West Nile virus in Michigan this year, the only one so far that has resulted in a death. Oakland County recently reported a case of West Nile virus in a person, as did Livingston County. There are several counties in Michigan where local health officials have confirmed the virus among mosquito populations. It also has been confirmed among mosquitoes in Windsor, Ontario. The Kent County Health Department in Grand Rapids made its announcement Thursday, saying it was the first West Nile virus death in its area since May 2024. The health department also said there were detections of the virus earlier this summer in mosquito populations for three ZIP codes in Kent County. Those detections included a positive test result from a mosquito collected just 3,000 feet from where the patient lived. Mosquitoes are infected with the West Nile virus by biting an infected bird. The virus can then spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are infected with the virus have either no symptoms or experience a mild illness such as fever, headache, and body aches. But in some people, more serious conditions such as inflammation and swelling of the brain can occur. People older than 50 are more likely to develop serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms of West Nile Virus if they do get sick. Health officials recommend people take precautions against mosquito bites so to limit the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Those steps include using an insect repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, and removing standing water around homes and outdoor property where mosquitoes could breed. The above video originally aired on Sept. 25, 2024.
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Allegheny County Health Department identifies first human case of West Nile virus in 2025
The Allegheny County Health Department announced on Monday that it had identified the first human case of West Nile virus in 2025. The agency has been busy spraying in communities after multiple samples tested positive for West Nile virus. The health department has conducted spraying in 31 communities across the Pittsburgh area. Samples were found in separate areas from Carrick to Morningside and from Chartiers to East Hills. The individual who tested positive resides in Plum Borough. On Aug. 14, the health department began additional surveillance in the area and launched an investigation. The health department said the victim began experiencing symptoms in mid-July. Symptoms include fever, malaise, diarrhea, and anorexia. They are currently recovering at home, according to a news release from the health department. "It's been in the area for quite a long time, so it's endemic to this area," according to Nick Baldauf, the vector control coordinator. Carried by mosquitoes native to the area, you can combat West Nile virus if you can snuff out where mosquitoes breed. "They like small sources of standing water. Things like unkept swimming pools, tires, and children's toys that are unused," Baldauf said. According to CDC data, between 70 and 80% of people who become infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms and are not impacted. Approximately 20% of those who become infected will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people with symptoms can recover on their own. Less than 1% of people infected with the virus will develop severe symptoms of neurologic illness caused by inflammation of the brain or spinal cord. Anyone who believes they or someone they know has West Nile virus should consult a health care provider. Baldauf said the good news is that the threat of West Nile virus will decrease over the next few months as temperatures drop and daylight decreases. "It's most important to be vigilant. Mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are active during the twilight hours. It's a good idea to wear insect repellent, long sleeves, and long pants," Baldauf said.
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West Nile virus confirmed in an Oakland County resident, local health officials say
A human case of West Nile virus has been reported in an Oakland County resident – the second such case confirmed this year in Michigan. No travel was reported by the patient, the Oakland County Health Division said in its statement issued Monday. "This is an important reminder that West Nile Virus is present in our community," said Kate Guzman, health officer for Oakland County Health Division. "We strongly encourage residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes until the first hard frost of the year." No details about the patient — other than a lack of travel — have been released by the health department. This is the first human case of West Nile virus in Oakland County confirmed in 2025; the second in the state this year. The earlier case was reported out of Livingston County. Mosquitoes are infected with West Nile virus by biting an infected bird. The virus can then spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are infected with the virus have either no symptoms or experience a mild illness such as fever, headache, and body aches. But in some people, more serious conditions such as inflammation and swelling of the brain can occur. People older than 50 are more likely to develop serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms of West Nile Virus if they do get sick. While this is only the second human case in Michigan this year, there are several counties where local health authorities confirmed West Nile virus among the local mosquito populations. West Nile also has been confirmed among mosquitoes this summer in Windsor, Ontario. Health officials recommend people take precautions against mosquito bites so to limit the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Those steps include using an insect repellant registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, and removing standing water around homes and outdoor property where mosquitoes could breed. The above video originally aired on Sept. 25, 2024.
