(WXYZ) — In today's health alert, Wayne County has reported its first West Nile Virus Death. It's also Michigan's second death from the virus this year.

So far, the state has 17 reported human cases.

This death involved an older adult with underlying health conditions, which unfortunately put them at a higher risk for severe illness.

Now, West Nile virus spreads when an infected mosquito bites a person. The mosquito itself gets the virus from feeding on infected birds.

So, what happens if a person gets the West Nile virus? Well, most people don’t develop any symptoms. But about 1 in 5 may experience flu-like symptoms - fever, headache, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. In rare cases, it can cause serious problems like encephalitis or meningitis - conditions that involve swelling

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