A dead crow in Vilas county has tested positive for West Nile Virus, one of 12 birds statewide found to have the disease.
West Nile is a virus most commonly spread by mosquitos. Dead birds are often reflect the presence of the virus as infected mosquitos bite birds who get sick and die.
Dr. Diep Hoang Johnson is an epidemiologist with the Division of Public Health at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. She says the state and local health departments publicize the fact a dead bird has been found so people can take extra precautions with mosquitos. While rarely fatal in humans, West Nile can get you sick says Hoang Johnson..
"....most people will not have any symptoms, so they don't become sick. I would say 80 percent of the people infected with West Nile Virus don't even know they were infected. The other (group) experience symptoms of fever, muscle aches, headache, fatigue and photophobia...."
Photophobia is light sensitivity. She says a small number of people could have severe illness...
"....usually older adults and people with compromised immune systems. That's about less than one percent(of those infected). But they might have severe illness that might include encephalities, meningitis, paralysis, coma and death...."
Vilas County Health Officer Gina Egan says preventing mosquito bites is key by using insect repellant and getting rid of places where mosquitos might breed like containers with standing water. A horse in St. Croix county was also diagnosed with West Nile Virus.
