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CONTACTS:
Beth Kaplan, Department of Health Services, (608) 267-3810
Linda Walter, Health Officer, Washington County Health Department (262)
306-2231
FIRST HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE VIRUS REPORTED IN
WISCONSIN
Officials Encourage Protection Against Mosquito Bites
MADISON--State and local health officials are reminding residents to
protect themselves against mosquito bites as they report the state’s
first confirmed human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2010.
The case was diagnosed in a Washington County resident during routine
screening of blood donations. Because screening of blood donated by this
patient yielded a positive result for the genetic material of West Nile
virus, the Blood Center of Wisconsin destroyed all of the blood and blood
products from this donation to prevent the donated blood from entering the
blood supply. The patient later reported ill with mild West Nile-like
virus symptoms.
The chances of a person contracting WNV are very low and most people
infected with West Nile virus will not have any symptoms. Those who do
become ill may develop a fever, headache, and rash that lasts a few days.
Symptoms may begin between 3 to 15 days after being bitten by an infected
mosquito. In rare cases, WNV can cause severe disease with symptoms such
as muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions,
paralysis and coma. Older adults and people with compromised immune
systems are at an increased risk of severe disease from the virus.
Blood banks have been screening blood donations for West Nile virus
since 2003 to keep the blood supply safe. Blood banks also will not accept
donations from people who have recently had a fever or headache. Once a
blood donation is identified as positive for West Nile virus, the blood
products are destroyed and the donor is notified and monitored by
healthcare workers to determine if the donor becomes ill.
WNV is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito and is
not transmitted person to person.A person cannot contract West Nile virus
infection by donating blood. There is no specific treatment for West Nile
virus other than to treat symptoms. If you think you have West Nile virus
infection, contact your healthcare provider.
Although few mosquitoes actually carry the virus, tips to minimize your
exposure include:
- Avoid being outside during times of high mosquito activity,
specifically dawn and dusk
- Protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of
Wisconsin
- Use effective mosquito repellant and apply according to the label
instructions
- Keep window screens repaired so mosquitoes cannot enter your home
- Dispose of discarded tires, cans or other containers left outside
that may contain standing water
- Turn over wading pools, hot tub covers, wheel barrows, boats and
canoes when not in use
- Keep drains, ditches and culverts clean of trash and weeds so water
will drain properly
- Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure they drain properly
- Change the water in bird baths, pet dishes and wading pools every
3-4 days
- Trim tall grass, weeds and vines since mosquitoes use these places
to rest during hot daylight hours
- Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas
In 2009, one Wisconsin resident developed WNV infection. So far this
year, West Nile virus has been found in one Washington County resident,
three pools of mosquitoes collected in August in Milwaukee County, and
three dead birds collected from August to September in Waukesha and
Winnebago counties.
Both the Washington County Health Department and the Department of
Health Services will continue surveillance for West Nile virus until the
end of the mosquito season, usually in October
To help with the surveillance effort, Wisconsin residents should report
sick or dead crows and blue jays to the Dead Bird Hotline at
1-800-433-1610.
For more information regarding West Nile virus in Wisconsin, please
visit:
http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/ArboviralDiseases/WestNileVirus/
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Last Revised:
June 12, 2012 |
