First confirmed West Nile Virus case in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. -- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced Monday the first West Nile Virus infection in Wisconsin this year has been confirmed.

The DHS said West Nile showed up in the blood of a donor from Washington County and in a dead bird from Chippewa County, both of which tested positive for the virus. However, the blood donor never developed any symptoms, which is required to label a probable or confirmed human case.

Despite this, the DHS said the infections confirm that there are mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus in Wisconsin that can transmit the virus to other people and animals.

The DHS said West Nile Virus is spread to humans, birds, and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds. The virus is not spread directly from person to person, animal to animal, or animal to person.

Because the risk of West Nile Virus continues until the first frost, it is important to continue taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

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