West Nile Claims 8 Deaths in Michigan - WLNS TV 6 Lansing - Jackson | Your Local News Leader

Two more deaths in Michigan from West Nile have been confirmed. This time they come from Ogemaw and Macomb counties. They bring the total to eight deaths and 183 confirmed cases.

It's turning out to be the second worst year of human cases since the virus was found and experts say the numbers could keep rising.

"One thing we learned from this year is it's hot, dry weather that favors West Nile transmission. People usually associate dry weather with no mosuqitios, but this particalur species that carries the virus does not depend on patterns of rainfall." said Dr. Ned Walker. "People aren't thinking mosquitoes right now."

Dr. Ned walker has studied mosquitoes for 33 years.

"They're still out there biting, so that's important for people to keep in mind. The end of the season isn't here yet," said Dr. Walker. "The risk is not down yet. If they drop below 50 degrees, mosquito activity goes down, however, it doesn't go away."

He says they've seen cases of west nile even pop up in early November, saying the colder temperatures won't scare them away.

"People really have to keep their guard up until the weather really does set in for winter," Dr. Walker said.

You can see a map of where cases have been confirmed on the Michigan website.