BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – A case of the West Nile virus has been confirmed in a dead crow found in Brown County.
In a statement by the Brown County Health Department on Wednesday, officials say they tested the dead crow and it came back positive for West Nile virus.
West Nile virus can be spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.
It’s the first bird that tested positive for the virus in the county since surveillance for the mosquito-transmitted virus began May 1, 2016, officials say.
“Brown County residents should be aware of West Nile virus and take some simple steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites,” Debbie Armbruster, Interim Health Officer/ Public Health Director 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.”
To protect yourself against the virus, health officials recommend people stay indoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active and to apply insect repellent to exposed skin and clothing.
- For more on how to protect yourself against mosquito bites, click here.
Health officials say around 80 percent of those who are infected with West Nile do not get sick. Those who do get sick usually experience mild symptoms of fever, headache, muscle ache, rash and fatigue.
The Wisconsin Division of Public Health will continue surveillance for West Nile virus. To report a sick or dead bird please call the Dead Bird Reporting Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.
