Probable Human Case of West Nile Virus Found in Milwaukee County

There is one probable human case of West Nile Virus in Milwaukee County, according to Wisconsin’s State Department of Health Services.

Confirmatory testing at the CDC is still pending.

Results of that testing can take up to four weeks, and if those come back positive, this case will be changed to a confirmed case.

The first confirmed human case of West Nile Virus is reported in Sheboygan County.

State and local health officials advise residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites.

Adults who have compromised immune systems are at an increased risk.

West Nile Virsu is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and is not transmitted person to person.

Symptoms of the virus begin between 3 to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can include a fever, headache, and rash.

In rare cases, symptoms can also include muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and coma.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus, but it is recommended to apply insect repellent and minimize time spent outdoors in the evening.

The first human case reported in the state was in 2002 and was followed by 52 other cases that same year.

In 2015, 9 cases have been reported among Wisconsin residents.

The Wisconsin Division of Public Health continues to monitor West Nile Virus.