A death from the West Nile virus has been announced in Allegan County. West Nile, a mosquito-borne illness, can lead to serious neurological complications, especially in the elderly or people with diabetes or hypertension. The Allegan County Health Department’s Lisa Letts tells WSJM News you’re advised to avoid mosquitoes until the first hard frost.
“Stay aware that mosquito activity is very high,” Letts said. “I think they let their guard down. It’s not summer time. They’re not carrying their sun screen or their bug spray everywhere they go. They children are out on playgrounds, and people are trying to squeeze in that last bit of garden activity or yard work.”
Letts tells us you should get rid of any standing water on your property, fix any broken window screens, and use an insect repellent that contains DEET. She couldn’t tell us anything about the patient who died of West Nile, but said it was the third case in Allegan County this year. You can find out more about West Nile virus right here.
