Ottawa County public health issues seasonal safety reminders; mosquito samples test positive for West Nile and Jamestown Canyon virus

Adeline, the Ottawa County public health officer, told the board July 8 that the department is conducting seasonal water-safety outreach, weekly beach water sampling and mosquito surveillance after a weekend that included multiple drowning deaths statewide.

"We sample our beaches once a week for water quality," Adeline said. Results are posted on the county website and advisories are issued if bacteria counts are high. She said county staff are also monitoring areas where Grand Haven judging and beach deposition previously correlated with increased bacteria counts and are working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on sampling.

Adeline said mosquito testing has returned a positive West Nile virus pool and a positive result for Jamestown Canyon virus, which she described as a new detection for the county. "There are infected mosquitoes in the community," she said, and advised residents to use insect repellent and take personal prevention steps. The public health officer noted the department is also sharing information on tick bite prevention.

Adeline said the health department is preparing a fee study of its environmental health charges (restaurant licenses, well and septic permits) that have not been updated since 2018; staff and MGT Consulting are reviewing fees and a proposal is expected in August. She also noted a Parks-hosted program on ticks and mosquitoes scheduled for 6 p.m. at Hemlock Crossing.

No formal policy action was recorded on these updates; the public health officer offered to respond to any questions from commissioners and to provide materials online.