West Nile Virus Causes First Deaths in Michigan, Greece 2025

Kent County, Michigan, has reported its first West Nile Virus-related death in 2025, with the deceased living near an area where infected mosquitoes were detected. This case is among three human West Nile cases in Michigan this year, with the virus found in several counties including Oakland, Livingston, and Macomb, while mosquito season peaks in August and September. Health officials emphasized that most infected individuals show no symptoms, about 20% develop flu-like symptoms, and roughly 1 in 150 can suffer severe neurological illness, with no vaccine or specific treatment currently available. Maine has also detected West Nile Virus in mosquitoes and birds for the first time this year, urging residents to eliminate standing water and use protective measures to prevent bites. In Greece, the first two deaths of the 2024 season were confirmed, alongside a rise in cases and hospitalizations, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance and preventive actions during peak transmission months. Public health authorities across these regions continue to stress mosquito bite prevention as the primary protection against the virus.