Wisconsin West Nile virus, Labor Day weekend mosquito awareness

Health officials in Wisconsin are urging the public not to let their guard down when it comes to mosquitoes this Labor Day weekend.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services confirmed two people have died and another was hospitalized this year because of West Nile virus. 

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Individuals who become infected with West Nile Virus might feel body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and rash. Lindsey Page, director of the Milwaukee Health Department's infectious disease program, said roughly one-in-five people experience those symptoms – but most people don't.

"Most people recover completely from West Nile virus," Page said.

Related

Wisconsin West Nile virus; 2 dead, 1 hospitalized in 2024

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed two people have died and another was hospitalized in Wisconsin this year because of West Nile virus.

A more severe neuroinvasive form of the virus can develop that causes meningitis, which is swelling of the brain or spinal cord.

"We have long sleeves," said Priya Jacobs. "Try to pack as many clothes as we can, or shoes, hiking gear, making sure that we got all the stuff that we need just to be outside."