West Nile Virus case confirmed in Macomb County

The Macomb County Health Department says its confirmed the first case of West Nile Virus in a resident.

An exact age was not given, but the department says an older resident has the mosquito-borne illness and is recovering.

Last year, four cases were confirmed in Macomb County.

The disease is not contagious between people, but health officials are reminding everyone to use mosquito repellants and avoid exposing skin around dusk when mosquitos are most active.

Not every mosquito has West Nile Virus, and not everyone who is bitten by an infected mosquito gets sick.

Symptoms that can develop include fever, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.