Resident Of Allegan County Dies From West Nile Virus

Health officials confirm an Allegan County resident has died from West Nile virus. The only description of the victim is that he was an older man.

The man's death is the fourth confirmed for West Nile Virus in Michigan for the year. On Tuesday, health officials announced an 80 year old from Oakland County died from complications to the virus. Last month a man from Grand Rapids died from West Nile with the fourth happening in Wayne County.

The health department is reminding residents that mosquito borne illnesses will continue to be a risk until we get temperatures that are below freezing.

On Sept. 17, it was reported that another Allegan County resident was confirmed to be infected with Eastern equine encephalitis, one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States.

Ways to protect yourself from bites include:  Wear light colors, use insect repellent with deet or lemon eucalyptus oil, wear long sleeves and pants when possible, remove standing water and avoid outdoor activity when possible at dusk and dawn.