Macomb County man may be first victim of West Nile Virus in Michigan this summer

Michigan has its first probable human case of West Nile Virus this summer.  An unnamed Macomb County man died recently, after showing symptoms consistent with the mosquito-borne disease. Lab tests are underway to confirm this was a case of West Nile Virus.  

Sue Tremonti is with the Macomb County Health Department.  She says West Nile Virus infections are more prevalent than most people think. 

“For every 150 people that are infected with the virus, and have a very mild reaction to it, approximately one person gets severely ill to the point where they need hospitalization.”  

Recent tests have confirmed the presence of infected mosquitoes in parts of Saginaw and Bay Counties. West Nile is more common during the late summer period as mosquito populations grow. Health officials say you should avoid exposing yourself to mosquitoes, particularly during evening hours.