Mosquito in De Pere, August 30, 2021. PC: Fox 11 Online
WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Health officials are urging people to protect against mosquito bites after a person in Winnebago County became sick with West Nile virus.
The case is the first confirmed in a human in the county this year.
Health officials did not provide information on how sick the infected person is, but, over the summer, two people died and a third was hospitalized after being infected. The first death was a Brown County man in his 50s, the second death was a Fond du Lac County man in his 70s and the woman hospitalized was in her 80s and from Outagamie County.
Winnebago County officials say 80% of people who are infected do not become sick. Those who become ill can experience symptoms including fever, headache, muscle ache, rash and fatigue. Less than 1% experience more severe symptoms including high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, confusion, paralysis and coma.
Older adults and those with compromised immune systems are most susceptible to serious illness than can be fatal.
Those who suspect they may have West Nile virus should contact a health care provider, Winnebago County authorities recommend.
West Nile virus is spread through mosquito bites. It is not spread person-to-person. Mosquitoes get the virus by feeding on infected birds. The best way to protect against the virus is to avoid mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and using an EPA-registered insect repellent.
Comments