Wisconsin Human West Nile Virus Case Confirmed

FOND DU LAC, WI — Wisconsin state officials are warning residents to take all measures possible to prevent the spread of West Nile virus (WNV) as the first human cases of 2017 have been confirmed.

The confirmed cases of the virus are in Fond Du Lac and Oconto counties.

WNV cases are most common during August and September. The virus itself is not terribly dangerous in most cases. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services said 80 percent of those infected never experience symptoms. Those at highest risk of being infected are older adults and those with compromised immune systems.

About one in 150 cases, however, lead to the victim becoming seriously ill. "Severe symptoms include a sudden onset of a high fever, neck stiffness, extreme muscle weakness, tremors, convulsions, or disorientation," according to the Wisconsin DHS website.

Symptoms generally begin to show between three and 15 days after infection. A person infected with the virus is not at risk of infecting others.

Here are steps you can take to help prevent mosquitoes from infecting you and your family with West Nile virus, according to the Wisconsin DHS:

• Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Apply an EPA-registered insect repellant to exposed skin and clothing since mosquitoes may bite through clothing.
• Make sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquito entry.
• Properly dispose of items that hold water, such as tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or discarded tires.
• Clean roof gutters and downspouts for proper drainage.
• Turn over wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats, and canoes when not in use.
• Change the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least every three days.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers.
• Trim tall grass, weeds, and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.
• Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.

52 cases of WNV were reported in 2002, dropping to 13 cases in 2016.

Article image public domain via Pixaby