Health Officials Urge Prevention Following West Nile Virus Detection in Three Kent County ZIP Codes
GRAND RAPIDS, MI. (July 17, 2025) — Through routine mosquito surveillance, the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) has confirmed the presence of West Nile virus (WNV) in three mosquito samples—each collected from a different ZIP code in the county: 49507 (Grand Rapids), 49544 (Walker), and 49525 (Plainfield Township). These are the first detections in the county for the 2025 season.
"These detections are a reminder that local mosquitoes are active and capable of spreading illness," said Brendan Earl, Supervising Sanitarian at KCHD. "By taking simple precautions like applying insect repellent and eliminating standing water around your home, residents can significantly reduce their risk while still enjoying the outdoors."
Transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes, WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most people infected with the virus experience no symptoms, but about one in five develop mild, flu-like illness—including fever, headache, body aches, or rash. In rare cases, WNV can lead to serious neurological complications.
Since there is no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV, the best way to protect yourself and your family when mosquitoes are present is by following these simple tips:
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Use insect repellent with 10-35% DEET, and always follow label directions
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Wear long sleeves and pants to limit skin exposure
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Avoid outdoor activity during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active
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Eliminate standing water around your home—refresh bird baths, wading pools, pet bowls, and empty small containers regular
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Keep screens and gutters in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home
KCHD’s Mosquito Surveillance Team will continue to monitor local mosquitoes for WNV, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Jamestown Canyon virus, La Crosse virus, and St. Louis Encephalitis through late September—when populations tend to decline significantly.
To learn more about mosquitoes and the diseases they carry, please visit the CDC's website. For questions or to schedule a media interview, available between 1 and 3 p.m. today, please email the Communications Manager.
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