So far this year, Michigan has seen four times as many cases of West Nile virus as it did in all of 2011. The reason is the dry Michigan weather.
Angela Minicuci is with Michigan’s Department of Community Health, and says the problem is worse in urban areas, like Metro Detroit particularly, and Kent county which have seen higher case numbers. Urban areas are where this particular mosquito thrives.
People over 50 are most at-risk for infection, along with people with weakened immune systems, and children.
To minimize exposure, it's recommended that people drain standing water around their homes, repair any holes in screens, and wear insect repellent or avoid the outdoors around dusk and dawn.
- Chris Edwards, Michigan Radio Newsroom
