KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — A person in Kalamazoo County has been diagnosed with West Nile virus, the county’s first case of 2025.

It is the 18th human case in the state, to go with 51 diagnosed cases in animals. West Nile virus is commonly spread through mosquito bites. The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department first found West Nile activity in mosquitoes early last month.

“We strongly encourage residents to take precautions such as using insect repellent with DEET and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors during the peak mosquito-biting hours, which are from dusk to dawn,” Kalamazoo County Interim Health Officer Deb Lenz said in a news release.

West Nile infections have risen steadily over recent years in Michigan. MDHHS reported 31 cases of West Nile virus in humans in 2024. That’s up from 24 cases in 2023 and 13 cases in 2022.

According to the Kent County Health Department, approximately 80% of people infected with West Nile virus will not notice any symptoms, but they typically include body aches, joint pain and fatigue. Most WNV patients recover completely, but about 1 in 150 develop a severe illness that impacts the central nervous system. Recovery can take months, but sometimes the damage is permanent and can even be deadly.

A Kent County resident died last month from a West Nile virus infection. The person was identified only as an adult with an underlying medical condition.

Since there is no vaccine or cure for West Nile virus, the KCHD says preventative measures are the best way to stay safe. The department recommends wearing a mosquito repellent that contains at least 10% DEET, wearing light-colored clothing and staying indoors around dusk to avoid mosquitoes’ most active time of day. The department also recommends making sure all window screens are properly sealed and removing or refreshing any standing water on your property that can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.