Oakland County Confirms 1st 2025 Human Case Of West Nile Virus

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — Health officials on Monday confirmed a human case of West Nile Virus in an Oakland County resident. It is the county’s first human case of the virus this year and the second confirmed this year in Michigan.

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

"This is an important reminder that West Nile Virus is present in our community," Oakland County Health Officer Kate Guzman said. "We strongly encourage residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes until the first hard frost of the year."

The 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.

Health experts say mosquito season peaks in August and into September. So far this year, there have been 219 West Nile cases across 29 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.