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Wisconsin’s first human case of West Nile Virus this 12 months was confirmed in a Sheboygan County resident, prompting state well being officers to as soon as once more emphasize the significance of stopping mosquito bites.
Earlier this 12 months, the virus had been present in three animals: a horse in Trempealeau County, a horse in Monroe County and a fowl in Milwaukee County.
At this level within the 12 months, the case depend stays properly under the 20-case annual common seen in Wisconsin residents since 2017.
The mosquitoes that carry the virus will maintain biting till the state’s first onerous frost considerably lowers mosquito exercise. A tough frost is outlined as temperatures under 28 levels for greater than 4 consecutive hours. The mosquitoes initially decide up the virus from contaminated birds.
“This report of the primary case of West Nile Virus in an individual is a reminder of the continued significance of taking precautions to forestall mosquito bites and the viruses they carry as we transfer into the autumn,” stated State Well being Officer Paula Tran. “Whereas West Nile virus and different viruses unfold by mosquitoes pose a danger to all Wisconsinites, individuals who have weakened immune techniques are on the biggest danger for critical sickness.”
Most individuals who get the virus don’t get sick, in keeping with the state DHS.
Of the 20% of people that do get sick, often solely gentle signs are reported, together with fever, headache, muscle ache, rash and fatigue.
The virus will be harmful in about 1% of these contaminated. In these circumstances, sufferers can develop excessive fever, muscle weak spot, stiff neck, disorientation, psychological confusion, tremors, confusion, paralysis, and coma. Older sufferers and those that are immunocompromised are at increased danger of growing such issues.
There are no vaccines or particular therapies out there for West Nile Virus past docs offering supportive look after folks whereas their our bodies combat off the an infection.
The easiest way to forestall getting the virus within the first place is to keep away from getting bitten by sporting lengthy sleeves and pants whereas outside and utilizing bug spray. Individuals also can do their half to get rid of breeding websites for the bugs by eradicating even small sources of standing water, the place they like to put their eggs, and holding weeds and vines trimmed and beneath management.
Contact Devi Shastri at 414-224-2193 or [email protected]. Observe her on Twitter at @DeviShastri.
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