WED Health Care Report: New case of West Nile virus reported in Milwaukee County

October 1, 2025

From WisPolitics.com/WisBusiness.com …

— The North Shore Health Department confirmed a new case of West Nile virus in Bayside, a northern suburb of Milwaukee County.

That marks the 21st human case of West Nile virus in Wisconsin so far this year, according to Department of Health Services data. That’s a slightly higher number than the 18-case average since the first human case was reported in the state in 2002, according to the DHS.

But that’s still fewer cases than the state saw last year, when 32 human reported and probable cases were reported.

So far there have been two cases in Milwaukee County this year, with the other occurring in a resident of the city of Milwaukee, according to DHS.

Dane County so far has the most reported cases with three this year, and 20 of the state’s 72 counties have reported cases in humans, animals or in donated blood.

Mosquitoes are the most common source of the virus, and DHS recommends using mosquito repellant, wearing mosquito-resistant clothing and eliminating common breeding grounds.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes most people infected with the virus do not develop any symptoms, DHS data shows 20 of the 21 cases so far have resulted in hospitalization.

The data also likely underestimates the actual number of infections since most infections do not cause symptoms, and mild symptoms often mimic flu-like symptoms.

See more DHS recommendations to reduce mosquito bites here.

— UW Health clinics today started administering COVID-19 vaccine shots to anyone six months and older who requests them.

No prescription is required for the shot, and patients who are already scheduled to receive other vaccinations, such as flu shots, can receive a COVID-19 shot at the same time without scheduling a second appointment. Other patients can schedule their COVID-19 vaccinations as early as Monday.

The organization is encouraging everyone eligible to get their influenza and COVID-19 shots soon as respiratory illness season begins.

“By getting vaccinated, you decrease your chances of getting infected, or, if you do get infected, it’s more likely to be a milder case,” Dr. Jim Conway, medical director of the UW Health immunization program and infectious disease physician with UW Health Kids, said. “Everyone who can should get the vaccines, but especially those who are 65 and older or individuals with high-risk factors.”

The news comes after Gov. Tony Evers earlier this month issued an executive order that authorized pharmacies to provide the updated COVID-19 vaccine to eligible patients without a prescription after the federal government restricted vaccine eligibility.

See the release.