West Nile Virus Confirmed in Kent County Resident
GRAND RAPIDS, MI. (August 20, 2026) — The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in a Kent County resident this season, identified through routine screening of a blood donation on Thursday, Aug. 13. This marks the first WNV-related case reported in Kent County since August of last year, which sadly resulted in death.
Transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes, WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States, but its effects vary from person to person:
- Most people show no symptoms
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About 1 in 5 develop mild, flu-like illness such as fever, headache, body aches, or rash
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About 1 in 150 develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system, which can sometimes be fatal
"To many people, mosquitoes may just seem like a nuisance, but they can also carry viruses that cause serious illness,” said Sara Simmonds, Environmental Health Director for the KCHD. "Taking simple steps to prevent mosquito bites before they happen is the best way to protect ourselves."
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 regularly
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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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
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