OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – Unseasonably warm temperatures and standing water from flooding has created breeding grounds for an annoying insect.
Mosquitos have been swarming in large numbers creating a possibly dangerous threat.
Cases of the West Nile Virus have been found in the state as recently as two weeks ago and Mary Dorn with the Outagamie Public Health Department says it’s important to seek attention if you experience side effects from a mosquito bite.
“Symptoms occur from West Nile Virus about three to fourteen days after being bit by a mosquito,” she says. “Symptoms might be fever, headache, joint pain, body ache, vomiting.”
If it seems unusually late in the year for mosquitos to be popping up, you’re right. Dorn explains that they’ve been breeding in large quantities due to advantageous weather conditions.
“When we have standing water we get mosquitos and the warm
Weather information is not currently available at this location.
The unfortunate reality is that the weather will have to consistently change before these insects disappear.
“As long as the temperature is warm enough and the environment is there for them to reproduce, and we still have that standing water they’re going to be able to do that,” she says. “Until the weather does cooperate when it gets cold enough.”
Dorn says there are some easy tips to stay away from mosquito bites and guard against possible West Nile Virus dangers.
“Where that twenty to thirty percent DEET or other EPA approved insect repellant,” she explains. “When you’re outside, wear long sleeve shirts, pants, and high socks.”
Additional information on the West Nile Virus can be found here.
