The Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department is reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites and potential disease.
The first human West Nile virus (WNV) infection has been confirmed in a healthy blood donor from Shawano County whose blood screened positive for WNV.
The presence of a blood donor with WNV confirms that there are mosquitoes infected with WNV in the area that can spread the virus to other people and animals. WNV activity has also previously been detected in people who have become ill from WNV, and in mosquitoes and animals in other parts of the state this year.
Most people (80%) who are infected with WNV do not get sick, so occasionally health blood donors may unknowingly donate blood while infected with WNV. To prevent spread of WNV through blood transfusions, all donated blood in the U.S. is tested for the virus. Any blood product that tests positive is removed from the blood supply.
WNV is spread to people, birds and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire WNV by feeding on infected birds. The virus is not spread directly from person to person, animal to animal, or animal to person.
Those who become ill with WNV usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, rash and fatigue. However, some people (fewer 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, confusion, paralysis and coma.
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 health care provider if they suspect they have WNV illness.
Health officials in Wisconsin have monitored the spread of WNV since 2001. An average of 18 cases of WNV illness are reported among Wisconsin residents each year. WNV cases in humans have been reported from June through October; however, most people with WNV report becoming ill in August and September.
The best way to avoid illnessesspread by mosquitoes is to reduce exposure to mosquitoes and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Mosquito activity and the risk of WNV will continue through the rest of the summer until there is a hard frost (temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit for at least four straight hours).
DHS offers these tips to protect yourself and your family 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 WNV 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.
• 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.