The state Department of Health Services has confirmed two Wisconsinites have died and another was hospitalized because of West Nile virus.
The first three human cases of WNV in Wisconsin were in residents of Outagamie, Fond du Lac, and Brown counties. In addition, WNV has also been detected this year in mosquitoes, animals, and healthy blood donors whose blood screened positive for WNV.
“Although people with weakened immune systems tend to be at greatest risk, severe West Nile virus can occur in people of all ages,” said Traci DeSalvo, DHS Bureau of Communicable Diseases Director. “It is important for all Wisconsinites to take steps to prevent mosquito bites when outdoors.”
WNV spreads to humans, birds, and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire WNV by feeding on infected birds. The virus doesn’t spread directly from person to person, animal to animal, or animal to person.
On average, Wisconsin residents report 18 cases of WNV illness every year. WNV transmission can occur any time that mosquitoes are active. However, most people with WNV report becoming ill in August or September.
Most people infected with WNV do not have symptoms. Those who do become ill may experience fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, rash, and fatigue. 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 those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness that can be fatal. It is important that people contact a health care provider if they suspect they have WNV illness.
The best way to avoid illnesses spread by mosquitoes is to reduce exposure to mosquitoes and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
