First Human Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in WI

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says the first
human case of West Nile Virus in the state has been found in a person from northeast
Wisconsin. Information on how the person became sick, or where specifically
they live, but health officials are encouraging people to continue to protect
themselves from mosquito bites for the rest of the summer and into the early
part of fall.

West Nile Virus is spread to humans through the bite of an
infected mosquito, but is not spread from person-to-person. Mosquitoes get the
virus by feeding on infected birds. DHS says the majority of human cases of
West Nile are found in August and September, but the risk of contracting West
Nile or other mosquito-borne illnesses is present any time mosquitoes are
active. Symptoms include a fever, headache and a rash that lasts a few days.
Those symptoms are said to begin between three to 15 days after being bitten by
a mosquito. Officials say if a person thinks they has contracted West Nile or
another illness carried by mosquitoes, to call their health care provider.