A Detroit resident has a confirmed case of West Nile virus, the city's health department announced Friday, Sept. 4.
At least five other people in Michigan have been infected so far in 2026 in Macomb, Kent, Emmet, Newaygo counties, as well as a person who lives in Wayne County outside the city of Detroit, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“West Nile virus is a seasonal threat we know well in southeast Michigan, but familiar does not mean harmless,” said Ali Abazeed, the chief public health officer for the city health department, in a written statement. “Our priority is keeping Detroiters informed and protected especially after significant rainfalls that we’ve seen lately.”
infects Roscommon County resident
West Nile virus spreads from birds to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, and has been detected in mosquitoes collected in Detroit this season. That's why the Detroit Health Department is urging residents to do all they can to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Among the recommendations:
- Keep window and door screens in good repair.
- When outdoors, use insect repellent that is registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks outdoors.
- Avoid being outdoors at dawn and at dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Remove standing water from buckets, flowerpots, tires, birdbaths and other containers.
Although the virus causes no symptoms or mild symptoms for most people, about 1 in 150 will develop serious neurological complications that can cause permanent disability or death.
Symptoms of West Nile virus typically begin between two and 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body or joint aches
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
People who develop severe illness from West Nile virus should seek immediate medical attention if they have:
- High fever
- Neck stiffness
- Confusion
- Muscle weakness
- Tremors
- Seizures
Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroiter has West Nile virus. Health leaders say avoid mosquito bites
