The Department of Health Services announces the first West Nile virus infections in Wisconsin this year in a healthy blood donor from Washington County, whose blood screened positive for WNV, and in a dead bird from Chippewa County that tested positive for the virus.
DHS does not consider the positive blood donor a human case because they never developed any symptoms of WNV. The infections confirm that some mosquitoes are infected with WNV in the state. They can transmit the virus to other people and animals.
“The first activity of West Nile virus this year in Wisconsin is a reminder that we still need to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites even as summer winds down, as the risk of West Nile virus continues until the first frost. While West Nile virus and other viruses spread by mosquitoes pose a risk to all Wisconsinites, people who have weakened immune systems are at higher risk for significant illness,” said State Health Officer Paula Tran.
WNV is spread to humans, birds, and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire WNV by feeding on infected birds.
Horses are susceptible to the West Nile virus, explains Dr. Paul Kunde, Wisconsin Area Veterinarian with APHIS.
“The diseases that horses get are very often transmitted by mosquitoes,” he says.
To protect horses from contracting West Nile virus, Kunde recommends controlling insects around the property and the stables.
Learn more about how to protect yourself against mosquitoes: https://www.midwestfarmreport.com/2024/07/27/high-mosquito-pressure-in-wisconsin/