First human case of West Nile Virus confirmed in Waukesha County

WAUKESHA COUNTY -- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)  and the Waukesha County Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) confirm this year’s first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in a resident of Waukesha County.

Officials are advising residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites.

The majority of WNV human cases in the state occur during the months of August and September. However, the risk of contracting WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses is present anytime mosquitoes are active.

The chances of a person contracting WNV are low. Most people infected with WNV will not have any symptoms. Those who become ill may develop a fever, headache, and rash that lasts a few days. Symptoms may begin between 3 to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. In rare cases, WNV can cause severe disease with symptoms such as muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, and coma. Older adults and people with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk of severe disease from the virus.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus other than to treat symptoms. Persons concerned they may have West Nile Virus infection should contact their healthcare provider.

WNV is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito and is not transmitted person to person. Although few mosquitoes actually carry the virus, tips to minimize your exposure and eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes include:

For information on West Nile Virus, CLICK HERE.