BROWN COUNTY, Wis. – Brown County Public Health, De Pere Health Department, and Oneida Nation Health Department are encouraging everyone to take extra precautions against mosquito bites following a human and equine case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Brown County.
This is the year’s first WNV case in a person and first case in a horse. Officials do not believe the cases are connected. Authorities have previously found WNV in mosquitoes and birds in other parts of Wisconsin.
“West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, and it cannot spread directly between horses and humans,” said Michelle Tipple, Community/Public Health Officer for the Oneida Nation Health Department. “While these two cases are not related, they show mosquitoes in the area are carrying the virus and could continue spreading it to humans or animals.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile virus causes no symptoms at all in most people. For others, it results in mild, flu-like symptoms between 2 and 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. In rare instances—less than 1% of cases—the victim develops severe illness and need to go to the hospital.
“Anyone can get sick if infected with West Nile virus,” said Anna Nick, Health Officer/Administrator for Brown County Public Health. “However, people who are older, have certain chronic medical conditions, or have weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.”
If you think you or a family member might have West Nile virus, talk to your healthcare provider.
There are no vaccines or medicines that prevent West Nile virus in people. The best way to protect yourself and loved ones from West Nile is to prevent mosquito bites:
- Use an insect repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Wear long, loose-fitting shirts and pants so it is harder for mosquitoes to bite you.
- Avoid being outside between dusk and dawn when the mosquitoes are most active.
- Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.
“Mosquitoes need water to breed,” said Chrystal Woller, Health Director/Officer for De Pere Health Department. “Get rid of potential mosquito breeding grounds by draining anything in your yard that collects water or allows even a small amount of standing water. Think about bird baths, flowerpots, tire swings, clogged gutters on your house, and yard debris that might allow water to collect.”
For more information about West Nile virus, visit the CDC website or the WI DHS website. To schedule an on-camera interview, please contact Brown County Public Health Communications Specialist Adam Behnke at 920-615-8059 or adam.behnke@browncountywi.gov.
