MONROE - Two cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Wisconsin.
Fortunately, the illness has not yet made its way to Green County.
In a news release this week, the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS) reported that one bird in Eau Claire County and a horse in Chippewa County tested positive for West Nile virus. They are the first animals to test positive in Wisconsin this year.
"When positive animals are identified, people need to be more vigilant in their personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites," the news release said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there were 13 human cases of West Nile virus in Wisconsin in 2007. One person died as a result of the disease.
Green County Health Department director RoAnn Warden said there was one case of West Nile virus in Green County in 2007.
The disease is transmitted to humans from the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.
The CDC reports there is no specific treatment for the disease. In mild cases, most people don't need to seek medical care. Severe symptoms include severe headaches or confusion and requires medical care.
The virus occasionally causes serious complications. In some individuals, particularly the elderly, it can cause muscle weakness, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, coma or death.
Heavy rains, flooding and standing water have made conditions favorable for more mosquitoes this summer, Warden said.
She said people need to be aware of what they can do to avoid getting the disease.
Warden suggests people wear lightweight, loose fitting, long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks.
Other protections against the disease include:
• Applying a repellent containing DEET (25 percent for adults, 10 percent for children, and not recommended for infants) when going outdoors.
• Draining standing water at least once a week.
• Pouring water from mosquito breeding sites, such as flower pots, pet bowls, clogged rain gutters, swimming pool covers, boats, discarded tires, buckets, barrels, cans or similar items in which mosquitoes can lay eggs.
• Applying mosquito larvicide in permanent standing pools of water. The larvicide can be purchased from many retail stores selling garden supplies.
Warden said the Green County Health Department is accepting dead crows, ravens and blue jays for testing. People can turn in a dead bird to the health department, located in the Pleasant View Complex, but the bird must be in good condition and in a plastic bag. More information is available by calling the health department at 328-9390.
People who find dead birds in Lafayette County are encouraged to contact the Lafayette County Health Department at (608) 776-4895.
Fortunately, the illness has not yet made its way to Green County.
In a news release this week, the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS) reported that one bird in Eau Claire County and a horse in Chippewa County tested positive for West Nile virus. They are the first animals to test positive in Wisconsin this year.
"When positive animals are identified, people need to be more vigilant in their personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites," the news release said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there were 13 human cases of West Nile virus in Wisconsin in 2007. One person died as a result of the disease.
Green County Health Department director RoAnn Warden said there was one case of West Nile virus in Green County in 2007.
The disease is transmitted to humans from the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.
The CDC reports there is no specific treatment for the disease. In mild cases, most people don't need to seek medical care. Severe symptoms include severe headaches or confusion and requires medical care.
The virus occasionally causes serious complications. In some individuals, particularly the elderly, it can cause muscle weakness, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, coma or death.
Heavy rains, flooding and standing water have made conditions favorable for more mosquitoes this summer, Warden said.
She said people need to be aware of what they can do to avoid getting the disease.
Warden suggests people wear lightweight, loose fitting, long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks.
Other protections against the disease include:
• Applying a repellent containing DEET (25 percent for adults, 10 percent for children, and not recommended for infants) when going outdoors.
• Draining standing water at least once a week.
• Pouring water from mosquito breeding sites, such as flower pots, pet bowls, clogged rain gutters, swimming pool covers, boats, discarded tires, buckets, barrels, cans or similar items in which mosquitoes can lay eggs.
• Applying mosquito larvicide in permanent standing pools of water. The larvicide can be purchased from many retail stores selling garden supplies.
Warden said the Green County Health Department is accepting dead crows, ravens and blue jays for testing. People can turn in a dead bird to the health department, located in the Pleasant View Complex, but the bird must be in good condition and in a plastic bag. More information is available by calling the health department at 328-9390.
People who find dead birds in Lafayette County are encouraged to contact the Lafayette County Health Department at (608) 776-4895.