Home / Health / Livingston County Resident Contracts First West Nile Virus Case of 2025
Livingston County Resident Contracts First West Nile Virus Case of 2025
8 Aug
Summary
- Michigan reports first 2025 West Nile virus human case
- Virus detected in Livingston County resident
- Health officials advise using insect repellent and covering up
On August 9th, 2025, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) confirmed the state's first human case of West Nile virus this year. The virus was detected in a resident of Livingston County, though MDHHS did not release any additional details about the individual.
This marks the second consecutive year that the first West Nile virus case in Michigan has been reported in Livingston County. In 2024, the state's initial human case was also identified in this same county.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, emphasized the importance of preventative measures. "It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to cause a severe illness," she stated. Dr. Bagdasarian advised using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito-biting hours from dusk to dawn.
Health officials have detected the West Nile virus in mosquitoes across several Michigan counties, including Bay, Kalamazoo, Kent, Macomb, Midland, Saginaw, Tuscola, and Wayne. While most infected individuals experience mild or no symptoms, the virus can lead to serious, life-threatening conditions in some cases, particularly for those over 50 years old.
