mosquitoes - WKTV Journal

By Cris Greer
WKTV Managing Editor
greer@wktv.org

Check out our WKTV Soundbites interview with Sara Simmonds of the Kent County Health Department, where she updates us on the presence of West Nile virus in the Grand Rapids area and talks about ticks and Lyme disease as well.

One week ago, the Kent County Health Department confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in mosquito samples collected from two zip codes: 49504 (Grand Rapids) and 49519 (Wyoming).

“These findings reinforce that mosquitoes are active in our area and capable of spreading illness through their bites,” said Simmonds, Director of the Environmental Health Division. “Simple precautions like applying insect repellent and getting rid of standing water around your home can go a long way in reducing your 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.

Recently, the Kent County Health Department confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in mosquito samples collected from two zip codes: 49504 (Grand Rapids) and 49519 (Wyoming). (Photo: Kent County Health Department: Used with Permission/June 2026)

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:

*Use insect repellent with 10-35% DEET, and always follow label directions
*Wear long sleeves and pants to limit skin exposure
*Avoid outdoor activity during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active
*Eliminate standing water around your home:
refresh bird baths, wading pools, pet bowls, and empty small containers regularly
*Keep screens and gutters in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home

For more information on the West Nile virus, plus a tick update in West Michigan, check out the above WKTV Soundbites video.

By WKTV staff
joanne@wktv.org

West Nile virus has been detected in a recent mosquito trapping by the Kent County Health Department. (CDC.gov)

The recent news that West Nile virus has been detected in Kent County reminds everyone the importance of preventing mosquito bites.

The Kent county Health Departments (KCHD) Mosquito Surveillance Team has detected West Nile virus in mosquitos. This part of the ongoing tracking that takes place through the country every summer. The discovery comes after testing pools of mosquitoes that were trapped by KCHD in the 49519 zip code, which is in Wyoming.

“The discovery is important because it lets us know that this season’s mosquitoes are now carrying the virus and it could spread to humans,” said KCHD Public Health Epidemiologist Paul Bellamy. “It is important for people to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites as much as possible.”

The Mosquito Surveillance Team traps large amounts of mosquitoes in various locations in Kent County. The team then collects the pools of mosquitoes and begins the process of testing the insects for presence of West Nile virus. The information the team gathers is shared with the municipalities where West Nile virus is found. Those agencies can then use that information to inform that mosquito mitigation strategies.

Tips for keeping safe

There is no vaccine or cure for West Nile virus so the best treatment is prevention. KCHD recommends the following measures:

Cover exposed skin when able

Wear a mosquito repellant that contains 10 to 35 percent DEET (read and follow product directions)

Wear light colored clothing and stay indoors

Remove or refresh water in bird baths, children’s wading pools, water bowls for your pets, and empty other small containers that can collect water in your yard.

Repair missing, damaged or improperly installed screens.

For more information about prevention, visit https://www.accesskent.com/Health/Environmental/vector.htm

Only about 20 percent of the people infected with West Nile virus notice symptoms that may include headache, body aches, joint pains, and fatigue. Most people with West Nile virus completely recover, but fatigue may linger. About one in 150 people infected develop severe illness that can affect the central nervous system. Recovery may take several months. Some damage to the central nervous systems can be permanent. In race instances, the disease can lead to death.

According to a 20 year review of the West Niles virus (it was discovered in the United States in 1999), a total of 51,702 cases of WNV have been reported to Center for Disease Control’s ArboNET, including 25,227 (48.8%) WNND and 2,376 (4.6%) deaths.

Zika Virus

The mosquito species that carry the Zika virus are not currently present in our area. However, the Zika virus is still a worldwide concern and can be contacted through out-of-state travel.