MONROE - The Green County Health Department is encouraging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites after a bird found near Brodhead last week tested positive for West Nile virus.
The dead blackbird, found on June 27, is the first bird to test positive for the virus in Green County since surveillance for the mosquito-transmitted virus began May 1, according to a health department news release issued Monday afternoon.
"This year we have detected the West Nile virus much earlier in the mosquito season than in previous years. The positive bird means that residents need to be more vigilant in their personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites," RoAnn Warden, health officer and public health director, said in the release.
West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds.
"Green County residents should be aware of West Nile virus and take some simple steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites," Warden 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."
The Green County Health Department recommends the following:
• Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Apply insect repellent to clothing as well as exposed skin; mosquitoes may bite through clothing.
• Make sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquito entry.
Mosquitos breed in standing water. To prevent mosquitos breeding on your property:
• Dispose of items around your property 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 bird baths 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; mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.
• Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.
Warden said the majority of people, 80 percent, who are infected with West Nile virus do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, rash and fatigue. Less than 1 percent of people infected with the virus get seriously ill with symptoms that include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, confusion, paralysis and coma. Older adults and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing central nervous system illness that can be fatal.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has monitored the spread of West Nile virus since 2001 among wild birds, horses, mosquitoes and people. During 2002, the state documented its first human infections and 52 cases were reported that year. During 2016, 13 cases of West Nile virus infection were reported among Wisconsin residents. West Nile virus infections in humans have been reported from June through October; however, most reported becoming ill with West Nile virus in August and September.
The Wisconsin Division of Public Health will continue surveillance for West Nile virus until the end of the mosquito season. To report a sick or dead crow, blue jay or raven, call the Dead Bird Reporting Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.
More information on West Nile virus is available at greencountyhealth.org and dhs.wisconsin.gov.
The dead blackbird, found on June 27, is the first bird to test positive for the virus in Green County since surveillance for the mosquito-transmitted virus began May 1, according to a health department news release issued Monday afternoon.
"This year we have detected the West Nile virus much earlier in the mosquito season than in previous years. The positive bird means that residents need to be more vigilant in their personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites," RoAnn Warden, health officer and public health director, said in the release.
West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds.
"Green County residents should be aware of West Nile virus and take some simple steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites," Warden 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."
The Green County Health Department recommends the following:
• Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Apply insect repellent to clothing as well as exposed skin; mosquitoes may bite through clothing.
• Make sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquito entry.
Mosquitos breed in standing water. To prevent mosquitos breeding on your property:
• Dispose of items around your property 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 bird baths 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; mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.
• Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.
Warden said the majority of people, 80 percent, who are infected with West Nile virus do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, rash and fatigue. Less than 1 percent of people infected with the virus get seriously ill with symptoms that include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, confusion, paralysis and coma. Older adults and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing central nervous system illness that can be fatal.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has monitored the spread of West Nile virus since 2001 among wild birds, horses, mosquitoes and people. During 2002, the state documented its first human infections and 52 cases were reported that year. During 2016, 13 cases of West Nile virus infection were reported among Wisconsin residents. West Nile virus infections in humans have been reported from June through October; however, most reported becoming ill with West Nile virus in August and September.
The Wisconsin Division of Public Health will continue surveillance for West Nile virus until the end of the mosquito season. To report a sick or dead crow, blue jay or raven, call the Dead Bird Reporting Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.
More information on West Nile virus is available at greencountyhealth.org and dhs.wisconsin.gov.