A human case of the West Nile virus was detected in Kent County, health officials said Thursday.

"We've confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in a county resident this season, which sadly resulted in death," Brendan Earl, Supervising Sanitarian for the Kent County Health Department, said in a statement.

"Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of this individual. This tragic outcome is a reminder that mosquitoes in our area are active and capable of spreading serious illness. Prevention remains our best protection."

Earl said the death marks the first from the virus in Kent County since May 2024.

Officials did not release identifying information for health privacy reasons.

Earl added it also follows recent detections of the virus in local mosquito sampl

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