(WFRV) – Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced on Monday that they have confirmed the first West Nile virus activity this year in the Badger State.
According to a release from the DHS, a case of WNV illness has been reported in a resident of Barron County, with mosquitoes collected from Milwaukee and Lafayette County testing positive for WNV.
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WNV is said to be spread to humans, birds, and other animals after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Mosquitos get WNV by feeding on infected birds. Officials say the virus is not spread directly from person to person, animal to animal, or animal to person.
The first detections of West Nile virus this year are a reminder to take steps to prevent mosquito bites and possible disease. West Nile virus poses a risk to all Wisconsinites, but people who have weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness
Paula Tran, State Health Officer and Administrator of the Division of Public Health
Most people infected with WNV do not have symptoms; however, those who fall ill with WNV could experience fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, rash, and fatigue. Some people could also develop a severe illness that comes with symptoms including high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, paralysis, seizure, and coma.
Since monitoring WNV in 2001, DHS officials say an average of 18 cases of WNV illness are reported among Wisconsin residents every year. Cases of WNV in humans have been reported from June through November, with most cases of people becoming ill being reported in August and September.
The DHS reports that the best way to avoid WNV illness being spread from mosquitoes is to reduce the amount of exposure to mosquitoes and eliminate any mosquito breeding sites.
Tips from the DHS to protect against mosquito bites are as follows:
Avoiding mosquito bites
- Apply an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing.
- Before heading outdoors, treat clothing with permethrin; do not apply permethrin directly to skin.
- Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning hours, when mosquitoes that spread WNV are most active.
- Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from skin.
Mosquito-proofing a home
- Prevent mosquitoes from breeding around homes by removing stagnant water from items around the property. For example:
- Empty standing water that has collected in tin cans, plastic containers, flower pots, discarded tires, roof gutters, and downspouts.
- Turn over wheelbarrows, kiddie pools, buckets, and small boats such as canoes and kayaks when not in use.
- Change the water in bird baths and pet dishes at least every three days.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers.
- Make sure window and door screens are intact and tightly fitted to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside.
- Trim or mow tall grass, weeds, and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.
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Older adults and individuals with compromised immune systems are at a greater risk of developing severe illness that can become fatal. Those who suspect that they have WNV illness should contact their healthcare provider.
More information on prevention and symptoms of West Nile virus can be found here.
