Wisconsin’s First Human Case Of West Nile Virus Found In Sheboygan County

The Wisconsin Department of Health services is reminding people to protect themselves from mosquito bites following the first confirmed human case this year of
West Nile virus in a Sheboygan County resident.

Despite cooler temperatures, mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus will continue until the first hard frost.

Cases of West Nile virus have also been reported in three animals in Wisconsin, two horses and a bird. These animal cases were located in Trempealeau, Monroe, and Milwaukee counties.

West Nile virus is spread to humans, horses, birds, and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes get West Nile virus by feeding on infected birds. The virus is
not spread from person to person, animal to animal, or animal to person.

The Department of Health says Most people who are infected with West Nile virus do not get sick.

Those who do become ill usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, rash, and fatigue. However, less than 1% who become infected with the virus get
seriously ill with symptoms that include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, confusion, paralysis, and coma.

Older adults and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness that can be fatal.