Home / Health / Oakland Resident Contracts West Nile Virus, Health Officials Warn of Mosquito Threat
Oakland Resident Contracts West Nile Virus, Health Officials Warn of Mosquito Threat
18 Aug
Summary
- Second West Nile virus case in Michigan this year
- No travel reported by the infected Oakland County resident
- Health officials encourage residents to protect against mosquito bites
On August 18, 2025, health authorities in Oakland County, Michigan confirmed a new human case of West Nile virus, the second such case reported in the state this year. The infected individual had not traveled recently, indicating the virus was contracted locally.
"This is an important reminder that West Nile Virus is present in our community," said Kate Guzman, health officer for the Oakland County Health Division. "We strongly encourage residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes until the first hard frost of the year."
While most people infected with West Nile virus experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, the virus can lead to more serious conditions like brain inflammation, especially in those over 50 years old. Health officials have also detected the presence of West Nile virus in mosquito populations across several Michigan counties, as well as in Windsor, Ontario this summer.
To limit the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, authorities recommend using EPA-registered insect repellents and removing any standing water around homes where mosquitoes could breed.
