West Nile Virus hits close to home with first deaths reported in 2024

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has reported the first deaths of 2024 related to West Nile Virus and one of them is right here in Fond du Lac County.

So far there have been two deaths. The other was reported in Brown County. There is also one person hospitalized with the virus in Outagamie County. The ages of the deceased are in their 50s and 70s and the hospitalized person is in their 80s.

West Nile Virus is nothing new, and lots of people get it each year, but only a few will show symptoms. The Department of Health Services says the state averages 18 cases of illnesses from West Nile Viruses each year. Most are in August and September, when mosquitoes are most active.

Symptoms include a high fever, muscle weakness, a stiff neck, disorientation and mental confusion, tremors, paralysis, seizure, and coma. The Department says it’s important to contact a health care provider if symptoms show, especially if the person is older or has a compromised immune system.

The virus is spread to humans and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes get the virus by feeding on infected birds. The virus doesn’t spread directly from person to person, animal to animal, or animal to person.

The Department of Health Services says simply avoiding getting bit by mosquitoes is your best line of defense against getting the virus. Wearing bug spray while outdoors and long sleaves and pants is your best bet at avoiding being bit.