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Posted at 5:50 p.m. on July 11, 2017
The Brillion News
GREEN BAY – The Brown County Public Health Division, De Pere Health Department and Oneida Health Center, report a dead crow found in Brown County has tested positive for West Nile virus. The test results were received on Tuesday, July 11.
Health officials do not release the exact location as a general rule.
This is the first bird that tested positive for West Nile virus in Brown County since surveillance for the mosquito-transmitted virus began May 1.
The positive bird means that residents of Brown County need to be more vigilant in their personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites.
West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds.
People in the Brown County area should take steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites. The West Nile virus seems to be here to stay, so the best way to avoid the disease is to reduce exposure to and eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
The three health departments recommend that people:
Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
Apply insect repellent to clothing as well as exposed skin since mosquitoes may bite through clothing.
Make sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquito entry.
Dispose of items around your property that hold water, such as tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or discarded tires.
Clean roof gutters and downspouts for proper drainage.
Turn over wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats, and canoes when not in use.
Change the water in bird baths and pet dishes at least every three days.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs, and drain water from pool covers.
Trim tall grass, weeds, and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.
Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.
About 80 percent of 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.
Less than one percent of people 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 a central nervous system illness that can be fatal.
The Wisconsin Division of Public Health will continue surveillance for West Nile virus until the end of the mosquito season. To report a sick or dead crow, blue jay, or raven, please call the Dead Bird Reporting Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.
A commercial product called Mosquito Dunks(R) can be used to poison mosquito larvae in standing water. For other options to protect yourself, visit www.cdc.gov/Features/WestNileVirus/
For more information on West Nile virus: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/ArboviralDiseases/WestNileVirus/Index.htm