5 West Nile cases in Kent County

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Five confirmed cases of West Nile Virus are known in Kent County - including one from last week - and about 12 more people with symptoms are awaiting test results.

In a statement, Cathy Raevsky of the Kent County Health Department said, "West Nile Virus can have severe complications in people over 55 years of age, or those who are already suffering from chronic medical conditions."

U.S. health officials reported Wednesday three times the usual number of West Nile cases for this time of year and one expert called it "one of the worst" outbreaks since the virus appeared in this country in 1999.

So far, 1,118 illnesses have been reported, about half of them in Texas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In an average year, fewer than 300 cases are reported this early. There have also been 41 deaths.

"We're in the midst of one of the largest West Nile outbreaks ever seen in the United States," said Dr. Lyle Petersen, a CDC official.

These are the recommendations from the Kent County Health Department.

• Use insect repellent when outdoors. Apply repellent to clothing and exposed skin, and follow directions on the product label.
• Don't apply repellent under clothing, or on cuts, wounds or irritated skin.  You should not apply repellent around the eyes or mouth, and if using spray, apply spray to your hands first, and then apply to face.  
• Repellent should not be used on infants under 2 months old at all.  KCHD recommends putting netting over the infant's stroller.  DEET-containing products should be avoided for children 24 months of age or younger, and those containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not to be used on children under three years of age.   
• When using repellent on children, put it on your hands first, then on the child. Children tend to put their hands in or near their mouths, so don't apply repellent to a child's hands.  
• After you and your children get back indoors, wash off the repellent with soap and water, and wash treated clothing before wearing again.
• At home, be sure you are not making it easy for mosquitoes to breed. Make sure to eliminate any standing water.  Twice a week, empty water from birdbaths, flower pots, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.  Make sure rain gutters are clear of debris.  Throw out old tires and other items that could collect water.
• Avoid areas where mosquitoes are likely to be, such as wooded areas or swampy land.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.