West Nile Virus Reported in Waukesha, New Berlin

WAUKESHA – The Waukesha County Environmental Health Division has been notified of the first confirmed cases of the West Nile Virus (WNV) in birds found in the County this year.

Three crows in the City of Waukesha and one crow in New Berlin tested positive for the virus as part of the mosquito and WNV surveillance, prevention and control program.

“Even though the West Nile Virus is appearing late in the season, residents should continue to protect themselves from mosquitoes,” said Waukesha County Public Health Officer Ben Jones. “Summer may nearly be over, but mosquito season can last until the first frost or later.”

Residents are advised to take precautions that will limit their exposure to mosquito bites, such as:
• Staying indoors when mosquitos are most active, specifically at dawn and dusk
• Using mosquito repellant containing an active ingredient registered by the EPA
• Removing objects where water can collect and breed mosquitoes, such as old tires

The Waukesha County Environmental Health Division, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Division of Public Health, will continue WNV surveillance until the end of the mosquito season. Now that a positive result has been identified in the County, testing will be discontinued. Report sick or dead crows, blue jays, or ravens to the Dead Bird Reporting Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.

About West Nile Virus
WNV can spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people (80%) who are infected with WNV do not get sick. Those who become ill usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, or rash. Less than 1% of people get seriously ill.

More information at:www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/…/ArboviralDi…/WestNileVirus/Index.htm.

About the Waukesha County Environmental Health Division
The Waukesha County Environmental Health Division is part of the Department of Parks and Land Use. The Division works to protect public health and the environment through services such as food establishment licensing, placement of private well and septic systems and humane animal programs. More information is atwww.waukeshacounty.gov/environmental_health.

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