BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – Local health departments are warning people to protect themselves from West Nile virus after a dead crow found in Brown County tested positive for the disease.
Debbie Armbruster with the De Pere Health Department says the good news is that 80 percent of people who become infected with West Nile don’t become sick.
“The remaining 20 percent could experience mild symptoms like fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, photophobia or sensitivity to light,” said Armbruster.
She says these symptoms develop 3-4 days after the infection takes place.
The virus is spread to humans through a bite of an infected mosquito.
Officials say it’s important to remove potential breeding sites for these mosquitos.
“Such as old containers that might be filling up with water or old tires that are filled up with water. You want to make sure you empty and refill bird baths and water bowls for pets at least every three days,” Armbruster explains.
Other recommendations to keep in mind is to limit your time spent outside at dawn or dusk, apply insect repellent to clothing, make sure windows and door screens are in good repair, clean roof gutters and downspouts for proper drainage, and turn over wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats, and canoes when not in use.
Click HERE to read more information on West Nile virus.
