MONTCALM COUNTY, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – Health officials in Montcalm County believe that the state’s first fatal case of West Nile virus occurred there.
They are waiting for test results to confirm it, but all the indicators suggest that a woman in her 60’s died from the mosquito borne virus. Mid-Michigan District Health Department Spokeswoman Leslie Kinnee says residents should take warnings about the virus seriously. Kinnee suggests residents should take protective measures against mosquitoes such as wearing long sleeves and long pants and using bug spray in order to prevent getting the virus.
“We definitely don’t want people to be paranoid about West Nile virus, but we do want them to just be aware that it’s very real and it’s out there.”
Health officials say until we have a hard frost and the Mosquitos season ends, the threat remains, especially for older adults with diminished immune systems.
There have been 38 cases identified in the state this year, but this may be the only death.
– John McNeil contributed to this report.
