West Nile Virus confirmed in Waukesha County

(WAUKESHA, WI) - The first confirmed case in 2017 of West Nile Virus in birds has been found in Waukesha County.   The Waukesha County Environmental Health Division Thursday said a dead crow found in the City of Delafield tested positive for the virus.  The crow was tested as part of the mosquito and West Nile Virus surveillance , prevention and control program.

The WCEHD reminds residents that the best way to avoid WNV is to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes and eliminate their breeding grounds. 

Simple steps to protect themselves from mosquitos include:

    Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

    Apply insect repellent to clothing as well as exposed skin.

    Make sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquito entry.

    Properly dispose of items around your property that hold water

    Clean roof gutters and downspouts for proper drainage.

    Change the water in bird baths and pet dishes at least every three days.

    Clean and chlorinate pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers.

    Trim tall grass, weeds, and vines. Mosquitoes rest in these areas in hot daylight hours.

    Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.

The Waukesha County Environmental Health Division and the Wisconsin Division of Public Health will continue WNV surveillance until the end of the mosquito season.  Now that a positive result has been identified in the County, however, testing will be discontinued.  Residents who find sick or dead crows, blue jays or ravens are still encouraged to report the find to the Dead bird Reporting Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.

West Nile Virus can be spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.   According to the WCEHD, most people who are infected with WNV do not get sick.  Those who do become ill usually experience fever, headache, or rash.    The WCEHD said less than 1% of people get seriously ill.

More information is available at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/ArboviralDiseases/WestNileVirus/Index.htm.


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