First West Nile Virus Detection of season found in Brown County mosquito pool

The state Department of Health has confirmed the first West Nile Virus mosquito pool of the season.  This pool has been detected in Brown County.  

State officials urge everyone to take simple steps to protect themselves and their families against West Nile Virus, which can cause fever, headaches, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle and joint aches.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Joshua Clayton said that something as simple as using bug spray or limiting activities between dusk-to-dawn hours can reduce the risk for infection significantly.

Other precautions that can be taken include wearing pants and long sleeves in the evening, and removing standing water that gives mosquitoes a place to breed.  

Personal precautions are especially important for those at high risk for severe illness from West Nile Virus, including those over 60 years of age, pregnant women, transplant patients, and individuals with cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease. 

Since its first human West Nile Virus case twenty years ago, the state has reported close to 27-hundred human cases, including 877 hospitalizations and 47 deaths. 

June 30, 2022