Dangerous Virus Spread By Mosquitoes Now Confirmed In Wisconsin

Everyone in Wisconsin is well aware of the fact that mosquitoes love to be a menace, especially during the warmer summer months. Wisconsin has a significant mosquito population, with at least 56 different species all literally out looking for blood.

Not only can they disrupt outdoor fun, but their bites can also spread nasty diseases. In Wisconsin, the bite of an infected mosquito can spread several diseases, including Eastern equine encephalitis, Jamestown Canyon virus, La Crosse encephalitis, Saint Louis encephalitis, and West Nile virus (WNV).

This week, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) confirmed the first West Nile virus (WNV) activity in the state this year, and they're urging people to take precautions.

Human Case Of West Nile Virus Reported In A Resident Of Barron County

The Wisconsin DHS has confirmed that a human case of West Nile virus illness has been reported in a resident of Barron County, and mosquitoes collected from Milwaukee and Lafayette Counties have tested positive for WNV.

"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," said Paula Tran, State Health Officer and Administrator of the Division of Public Health.

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Officials reiterate that the West Nile virus is spread to humans, birds, and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes get WNV by feeding on infected birds. The virus is not spread directly from person to person, animal to animal, or animal to person.

Thankfully, the majority of people who are infected with WNV do not have symptoms. Those who become ill with WNV may experience fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, rash, and fatigue.

Furthermore, some people will develop severe illness with symptoms that include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, paralysis, seizure, and coma. Older adults and people who have compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness that can be fatal. People should contact a health care provider if they suspect they have WNV illness.

West Nile Virus Cases In Wisconsin

The Wisconsin DHS reports it has monitored WNV since 2001, tracking confirmed cases in mosquitoes, animals, and humans across the state to alert health care providers and Wisconsinites about risk. An average of 18 cases of WNV illness are reported among Wisconsin residents each year. WNV cases in humans have been reported from June through November; however, most people with WNV report becoming ill in August and September.

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Mosquito activity and the risk of the virus will continue through the rest of the summer until there is a hard frost (temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit for at least four straight hours).

The Department of Health Services offers these tips to protect against mosquito bites:

Avoid 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-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from skin.

Make your home mosquito-proof

There are several things you can do to reduce the number of mosquitoes on your property. Examples include:

• 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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