(WXYZ) — A Kent County resident has died after contracting West Nile virus. Health officials say it’s the first confirmed case and death in the county this year.

So far, three human cases have been reported across Michigan, including Oakland and Livingston counties.

First, my sincere condolences to the family of this resident. While death is rare, I know a colleague whose father died from West Nile.

Now, West Nile spreads when a mosquito bites an infected bird and then passes the virus on to humans. Most people who get it will never even know they have it. That’s because about 80% do not develop symptoms. The 20% who do can experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches or sometimes a rash. Fewer than 1% of cases develop severe illness.

Those most at risk are adults o

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