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West Nile cases continue to rise in Kent County

The Kent County Health Department is now reporting 11 cases of West Nile Viruses.

The Kent County Health Department is now reporting 11 cases of West Nile Viruses. Here's how they break down:

  • Eight of the cases are neuroinvasive where the nervous system is attacked and could cause death
  • Three are flu type symptoms

This is the largest number of West Nile Cases we've seen since 2012 when there were 41 cases. There were 60 in 2002.

Public health officials are concerned that with our increased mosquito population, people may be at risk of contracting another mosquito virus, Eastern equine encephalitis. One human case was reported in Allegan County.

Health officials say Eastern Equine Encephalitis is rare because it's a different type of mosquito that feeds mostly on birds.

In order to get bit by an infected mosquito, it would have to break the cycle of feeding on birds. In most cases they'll move on to horses but in rare cases they will bite humans.

Your best protection against this massive influx of mosquitoes is using a spray with DEET.

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