MADISON (WKOW) -- State health officials say the first human case of the West Nile virus (WNV) was reported in Dodge County.
Officials say the Dodge County resident was hospitalized and released.
Health officials confirm that 18 dead birds tested positive for WNV. The birds were found
in 10 counties: Barron, Brown, Kenosha,
La Crosse, Milwaukee, Oneida, Portage, Rock, Sheboygan and Winnebago. In July, WNV
was detected in three dead birds collected in Dane, Pierce, and Washington
counties. The state now has a total of 21 dead birds from 13 counties testing
positive for WNV.
Officials say the
likelihood of contracting WNV infection is low and most people infected
with the virus will not have symptoms. Those who do become ill may develop a
fever, headache, rash, muscle and joint aches, nausea, vomiting and fatigue
that can last a few days. Symptoms may begin three to 15 days after being bitten by
an infected mosquito. In rare cases, WNV can cause severe disease
including encephalitis and meningitis. Severe symptoms include high fever,
muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors,
convulsions, paralysis and coma. Older adults and people with compromised
immune systems are at an increased risk of severe disease caused by the virus.
If you
think you have WNV infection, contact your healthcare provider.
The
Department of Health Services and the Dodge County Human Services and Health
Department – Public Health Unit will continue surveillance activities for West
Nile virus until October. As part of the surveillance effort, residents are
encouraged to report sick or dead crows, blue jays and ravens to the Dead Bird
Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.
For more information regarding the West Nile virus in Wisconsin, click here.
