LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) -- The Ionia County Health Department as confirmed a human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the area, the first reported case in the county this year.

WNV is a mosquito-borne disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes -- the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States. While most people infected with WNV do not experience symptoms, around 1 in 5 people develop mild, flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches or rash.

Around 1 in 150 people may develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system -- which can at times be fatal. Those more than 50 years old have the highest risk of developing symptoms as a result of infection.

There is no vaccine, medication, or other treatment to prevent WNV, and The Ionia

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