An elderly Washtenaw County woman has died after being hospitalized with symptoms of West Nile Virus. Susan Ringler-Cerniglia is with Washtenaw County Public Health.
"The best way to avoid West Nile Virus infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes," she explains. " So, making sure folks are using repellent and using repellent especially during the times of day when mostquiotes are most likely to be active and getting rid of any standing water.
The woman was between 75 and 85 years of age. The elderly are among the most susceptible to contracting West Nile Virus.
Ringler-Cerniglia says it's important to protect yourself from mosquito bites. She says there may not have been as much mosquito activity as usual this summer, but the species that carries the West Nile Virus is active.
In Michigan, 24 cases of West Nile Virus in humans and this one death have been reported this year.