Community Corner
Wisconsin Reports Its First Case of West Nile Virus
Wisconsin's first West Nile virus activity this year was reported in Washington County Thursday after a dead bird tested positive.
The West Nile virus season has begun in Wisconsin.
State health officials reported Thursday that a dead bird in Washington County has tested positive for the virus, a sign that human cases may follow. This was the first report of West Nile activity in Wisconsin this year.
"Although very few mosquitoes actually carry West Nile virus, infected birds serve as an early warning that the virus is present in the area and that people should be more vigilant in protecting themselves against mosquito bites," officials said in a press release from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
But they are not viewing the report as unusual.
Diep Johnson, epidemiologist with the Wisconsin Division of Public Health, told Patch Thursday that avian cases generally begin in May and June, followed by human cases through October. High-risk months are August and September.
About 80 percent of those infected by the virus do not experience symptoms, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website. About 20 percent will experience mild symptoms such as "fever, headache, muscle pains, a skin rash, swollen lymph nodes and photophobia."
Less than one percent will experience severe symptoms such as "high fever, neck stiffness, extreme muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions or disorientation."
The virus cycles between birds and mosquitoes, and mosquitoes can transmit the virus to humans. That's why Johnson says preventing human infection takes a conscious effort — and not just from individuals.
"It takes the whole neighborhood to work together to do this," Johnson said. In other words, you can take the necessary preventative steps, but if your neighbor does not do so, you may be just as vulnerable.
Here are some ways you can protect your family and community from West Nile virus:
- Using insect repellents when outside, especially during dawn and dusk
- Emptying any stagnant water (e.g., kiddie pools, bird baths, wheelbarrows)
- Making sure no window screens have holes
- Seeking treatment for children or older adults — or anyone with a compromised immune system — even when experiencing only mild flu symptoms
You can also report a dead bird in your area by calling Wisconsin's Dead Bird Reporting Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.
"People see dead birds around their homes, and we rely heavily on them," Johnson said. "I believe the hotline is very important as an early warning system."
Check back at Patch for more information about getting ready for West Nile season.
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