JANESVILLE — Mosquitoes in Rock County have tested positive for the West Nile virus, Rock County Public Health said Friday.
The announcement came on the same day the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said in a separate release that an unvaccinated gelding in Marquette County is the state’s first confirmed case in a horse this year.
In 2023, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection documented five cases in horses.
In its release, Rock County Public Health said these were the first mosquitoes to test positive in Rock County since mosquito surveillance began in early July.
No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Rock County in 2024, the county release said, but other infections “have been confirmed in people and animals in other parts of the state.”
West Nile virus is spread to humans and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire West Nile virus by feeding on infected birds. The virus is not spread directly from person to person, animal to animal, or animal to person.
Only about 20% of people infected with West Nile virus get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, rash, and fatigue. Some people, less than 1%, who become infected with the virus get seriously ill with symptoms that include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, paralysis, and coma, the release said.
“Older adults and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness that can be fatal. It is important that people contact a healthcare provider if they suspect they have West Nile virus illness,” the release continued.
Public health officials in Wisconsin have monitored the spread of West Nile virus since 2001. An average of 18 cases reported among Wisconsin residents each year. West Nile virus infections in humans have been reported from June through October; however, most people becoming ill in August and September.
The best way to avoid illnesses spread by mosquitoes is to reduce exposure to mosquitoes and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus will continue through the rest of the summer until there is a hard frost with temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit for at least four straight hours.
To protect against mosquito bites:
Apply an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing.Prior to heading outdoors, treat clothing with permethrin; do not apply permethrin directly to skin.Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning hours, when mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are most active.Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.Prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your home by removing stagnant water from items around your property.Empty standing water that has collected in tin cans, plastic containers, flower pots, discarded tires, roof gutters, and downspouts.Turn over wheelbarrows, kiddie pools, buckets, and small boats such as canoes and kayaks when not in use.Change the water in bird baths and pet dishes at least every three days.Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers.Make sure window and door screens are intact and tightly fitted to prevent mosquitoes from getting into your home.Trim or mow tall grass, weeds, and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.
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