West Nile Found in Wyoming ZIP Code 49519

Wyoming, Michigan residents have a new reason to spray repellent this summer. The Kent County Health Department confirmed Tuesday that West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected from the 49519 ZIP code covering Wyoming. A second positive sample came from the 49504 ZIP code in Grand Rapids.

These are the first confirmed detections of West Nile virus in Michigan for 2026, according to the health department.

"These findings reinforce that mosquitoes are active in our area and capable of spreading illness through their bites," said Sara Simmonds, director of the KCHD's Environmental Health Division. "Simple precautions like applying insect repellent and getting rid of standing water around your home can go a long way in reducing your risk while still enjoying the outdoors."

What Wyoming Residents Need to Know

West Nile virus is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It is the leading mosquito-borne illness in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Most people infected with the virus experience no symptoms. Some develop a mild flu-like illness with fever, headache, body aches, or rash. People over 60 years of age face the greatest risk of severe disease. Those with cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, or organ transplants are also at higher risk, according to Michigan's Thumb reporting on the outbreak.

There is no vaccine and no specific treatment for West Nile virus.

What Health Officials Are Recommending

The Kent County Health Department is urging residents to take these steps:

• Use insect repellent containing 10 to 35 percent DEET
• Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors
• Eliminate standing water around your property
• Keep screens and gutters in good repair
• Limit time outside during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active

Surveillance Continues Through September

KCHD will continue monitoring local mosquitoes through late September. In addition to West Nile, health officials are testing for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus, Jamestown Canyon virus, La Crosse virus, and St. Louis encephalitis virus, according to WZZM13.

In Michigan, West Nile virus outbreaks have occurred every summer since 2002. Urban areas in Kent County and southeastern Lower Michigan have historically seen the most cases, according to Michigan's Thumb.

Nationally, there have been 13 human cases of West Nile virus reported in the United States so far in 2026.

Wyoming residents can monitor updates through the Kent County Health Department website and local health advisories.