A Wayne County resident has West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne disease that can causelife-threatening illness, including meningitis and encephalitis, in some people who get it, Wayne County Public Health officials reported Wednesday, Aug. 26.
It's the second known human case of West Nile virus in Michigan this year, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Earlier in August, the Kent County County Health Department announced the state's first West Nile virus case of 2026, which was identified through the routine screening of a blood donation.
In the United States, West Nile is the most common of the viruses spread to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, but how people respond to it can vary enormously, Wayne
County health officials said.
Most people who contract West Nile virus have no symptoms at all. About 1 in 5 will develop flu-like illness within two to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Joint pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
In some cases, the virus can cause potentially life-threatening illness, including inflammation of the brain. Those at highest risk of severe disease include adults ages 65 years and older along with people who have weakened immune systems.
The best way to avoid West Nile virus — and other mosquito-borne diseases, such as Jamestown Canyon virus and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), which infected a Roscommon County residentearlier this month — is to avoid mosquito bites.
“This is an important reminder that mosquito season is not over,” Dr. Avani Sheth, Wayne County Public Health's chief medical health officer, said in a statement. “As we enter the time of year when West Nile Virus activity is typically highest, we encourage residents to take a few simple precautions to protect themselves and their families.”
Health leaders suggest:
- Using an insect repellent that contains DEET and is registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Limiting outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wearing long sleeves, pants and socks when outdoors
- Emptying standing water at least once a week to reduce mosquito breeding sites, such as tires, buckets, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers or trash containers.
- Installing or repairing window and door screens to keep out mosquitoes.
Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Wayne County resident has West Nile virus, Michigan's 2nd case of 2026
