Eau Claire (WQOW)- A jump in the number of West Nile cases nationwide has the Eau Claire Health Department sending out a reminder.
So far in Wisconsin there has been one confirmed case of a human contracting the disease which is spread by mosquitoes. There have been 21 birds and two horses have also tested positive for the virus. Because of that health officials are reminding people to use mosquito repellant when outside.
Residents who find dead birds are also asked to call the health department at 1-800-433-1610. Dead birds are seen as an early warning that the virus is present in the area.
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Eau Claire (Press Release)- The Eau Claire City-County Health Department reported today that recent media coverage of the West Nile Virus (WNV) outbreak in Texas and associated deaths there has heightened public concern. On July 21st, state and local health officials in Wisconsin confirmed the season's first reported case of human WNV infection. The illness occurred in a Dodge County resident who was hospitalized and released. During 2011, three Wisconsin residents developed symptomatic WNV infection.
State and local health officials have also confirmed that 21 dead birds have tested positive for WNV in Wisconsin. The birds were found in Barron, Brown, Kenosha, La Crosse, Milwaukee, Oneida, Portage, Rock, Sheboygan, Winnebago, Dane, Pierce and Washington counties.
Infected birds serve as an early warning by indicating that WNV is present in an area and residents should be particularly careful to protect themselves against mosquito bites.
The City-County Health Department has received a number of calls reporting dead birds either directly or through the state's Dead Bird Hotline at 1-800-433-1610. Most dead birds reported were not candidates for testing because of their deteriorated condition. One dead bird has been shipped to the USDA Wildlife Services Laboratory in Sun Prairie for testing. Results should be available next week.
"West Nile Virus has been detected in dead birds in past years in Eau Claire County. No birds tested positive in 2011. However, based on past positive tests of dead birds, the virus is considered to be present in the community," said Richard Thoune, Health Department Director.
"Eau Claire County residents should continue to be aware of West Nile virus and take some simple steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites," Dave Kragness, Interim Environmental Health Supervisor said. "The West Nile virus seems to be here to stay, so the best way to avoid the disease is to reduce exposure to and eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes."
WNV is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito and is not transmitted person to person. Although few mosquitoes actually carry the virus, it is important to take steps to minimize exposure during mosquito season.
The City-County Health Department recommends the following:
- Maintain window screens in good repair to decrease indoor contact with mosquitoes
- Avoid being outside during times of high mosquito activity, specifically around dawn and dusk
- Wear light colored protective clothing such as long pants, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and tuck pants in socks when outdoors
- When outdoors, consider using an effective mosquito repellant containing an active ingredient registered by the EPA, such as DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Apply insect repellant to clothing as well as exposed skin because mosquitoes may bite through clothing.
- Do not provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes— Properly dispose of items that hold water, such as tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or discarded tires to prevent mosquito breeding. Turn over wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats and canoes when not in use.
- Clean roof gutters and downspouts for proper drainage.
- 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 because mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.
- Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.
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 3 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.
There is no specific treatment for WNV infection other than to treat symptoms. If a person thinks they may have WNV infection, they should contact their healthcare provider.
The City-County Health Department, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Division of Public Health, will continue surveillance for West Nile virus until the end of the mosquito season. Once two WNV positive birds are identified in the county, testing will be discontinued on a regular basis, but reports of sick or dead crows, blue jays, or ravens should still be reported. To report a sick or dead crow, blue jay, or raven, please call the Dead Bird Reporting Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.
For more information regarding West Nile virus in Wisconsin, visit: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/ArboviralDiseases/WestNileVirus/Index.htm
