The state has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in a Wisconsin resident this year.
The individual is a resident of Dane County. Three horses and several mosquito pools in Wisconsin also had West Nile virus. The horse cases were located in Dunn and Clark counties, and the positive mosquitoes were from Milwaukee and Lafayette counties.
“This confirmed case in a Wisconsin resident is a reminder that even as summer winds down, we still need to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites,” says State Health Officer Paula Tran. “While West Nile virus and other viruses spread by mosquitoes pose a risk to all Wisconsinites, people who have weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk for serious illness.”
Since West Nile virus was first detected in Wisconsin in 2002, reports of infections in humans happened from June through October. An average of 17 cases of West Nile virus happen among Wisconsin residents each year. Most people with West Nile virus report becoming ill in August and September. The risk of West Nile virus infection continues until the first hard frost.
Infected mosquitoes spread the West Nile virus to humans, horses, birds, and other animals.
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 West Nile virus are most active.
- Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
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