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Kent County officials concerned about West Nile Virus

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Kent County health officials expect to see some cases of West Nile virus before summer ends.

That’s because there are way more mosquitos found with the virus compared to previous years.

County health officials have looked at mosquitos from 10 traps in the greater Grand Rapids area. They found four times as many mosquitos this year as they usually do

And 26% of the ones they found have West Nile virus.

Adam London is with the Kent County Health Department.

He says there are ways to protect yourself from mosquitos this summer.

"Using a repellent, according to label directions, a repellent that includes DEET as an active ingredient will do a great deal of benefit for you in keeping those mosquitos away."

Other ways to avoid mosquitos include avoiding dark colored clothing, dumping any standing water on your property, and reducing outdoor activity at dusk and dawn.