Michigan's 1st 2025 Human Case Of West Nile Confirmed: What To Know

LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MI — Officials on Friday confirmed Michigan's first 2025 human case of the West Nile virus in Livingston County, according to the county health department.

Health officials did not release any information about the patient's identity, including their name, age, gender or hometown.

Officials said mosquitoes carrying West Nile have been found this year in Bay, Kalamazoo, Kent, Macomb, Midland, Saginaw, Tuscola and Wayne counties. In addition, the Jamestown Canyon virus has been found in mosquitos collected from Bay, Kalamazoo, Macomb, Ottawa, Saginaw and Washtenaw counties.

"It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to cause a severe illness," MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Natasha Bagdasarian said. "Use insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors during times when mosquitoes are active. These precautions are especially important during peak mosquito-biting hours, which are from dusk to dawn."

Health experts say mosquito season peaks in August and into September. So far this year, there have been 140 West Nile cases across 26 states, according to the CDC.

The virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Some people who get the virus may develop an illness may experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches; occasionally, a skin rash and swollen lymph glands may be noticed. These symptoms may last a few days or as long as several weeks.

People who are older than 50 or have immunocompromised conditions can become seriously ill.
There are no vaccines or specific treatments for the infection, according to federal health officials.

Here are recommendations for avoiding exposure:

• Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Empty any standing water and monitor your yard, clearing watering cans, clogged gutters or discarded containers.
• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and hats outside.
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent according to package directions.