Human case of West Nile Virus confirmed in Wisconsin
State and local health officials are reminding Wisconsin residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites after a Dodge County man was diagnosed with West Nile virus (WNV). It is the first confirmed case of the virus in Wisconsin this year.
The chance of a mosquito bite leading to the West Nile virus is quite low, and most people would not even develop symptoms even if they contracted the virus. People who become ill may experience a fever, headaches and rashes, usually lasting only a few days. Symptoms may occur anywhere from three to 15 days after a mosquito bite.
In rare instances, the virus can cause severe health problems. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the populations most susceptible to the virus are older adults and people with already compromised immune systems. Symptoms such as muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, convulsions, paralysis and coma characterize an advanced form of the illness.
Jody Langfeldt, public health officer with Dodge County Health Department said not all mosquitoes carry the West Nile virus. The ones that do, Culex mosquitoes, are more prevalent in late summer and early fall, according to Langfeldt. She said the virus is not contagious.
Langfeldt recommended people take preventative measures, such as using insect repellent and avoiding being outside around dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. She also advised people to remove any standing water near their homes, make sure their window screens are intact and change the water in birdbaths every few days.
Last year, 12 people in Wisconsin became infected with the virus. So far in 2008, the virus has been found in 11 birds and one horse in 10 counties.
Citizens are encouraged to report sick or dead crows and blue jays to the Dead Bird Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.
For more information about West Nile virus, please visit dhfs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/westNilevirus
File photo
The first human case of West Nile Virus in Wisconsin this year has been confirmed in Dodge County.
