West Nile Virus Found In 2 WI Animals Including Bird In Milwaukee Co.

WISCONSIN — After two animals in Wisconsin tested positive for West Nile virus, state health officials are encouraging residents to defend against mosquitoes.

A bird in Milwaukee County and a horse in Trempealeau County are the first Wisconsin animals to test positive for West Nile virus this year, according to a Sept. 2 news release by the Department of Health Services.

No human infections have emerged in 2022 so far in Wisconsin, but state health officials have seen an average of 20 cases per year since 2017, the DHS said. Although the virus does not frequently sicken people, it can be serious and even deadly for some. Health officials encouraged Wisconsinites to protect against mosquitos as the presence of WNV in two animals confirms its presence in the blood-sucking insects.

The news comes just days after health officials in Illinois are also warning residents about WNV after a resident of Cook County in his late 70s became ill and died from it.

Though 80 percent of people who contract the virus do not become sick, people who do become ill can expect to experience fever, headache, muscle ache, rash and fatigue, the DHS said. Less than 1 percent of people who contract the virus showed high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, tremors, confusion, paralysis and even coma, according to the DHS.

People most at risk of serious symptoms include older adults and people with compromised immune systems, the DHS said.

"These cases are a reminder of the importance of taking precautions to protect ourselves from mosquitoes and the viruses they carry, which poses a risk to all Wisconsinites, especially to those who have weakened immune systems," said State Health Officer Paula Tran. “By wearing insect repellent and eliminating standing water around our homes where mosquitos breed, we can help protect ourselves and our neighbors.”

The virus is not spread directly between humans or between animals, but instead spreads from mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. Infections in humans typically are reported between June and October, health officials said, with most people reporting illness in August and September.

Here are the tips the DHS offered to avoid mosquito bites:

• "Apply an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing."
• "Prior to 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 your skin."

Here are the tips the DHS offered to protect your home from mosquitoes:

• "Make sure window and door screens are intact and tightly-fitted to prevent mosquitoes from getting into your home."
• "Prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your home by removing stagnant water from items around your property, such as 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."
• "Trim or mow tall grass, weeds, and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours."