Dodge County reports the state's first human case of West Nile Virus. Jody Langfeldt with the Dodge County Human Services and Health Department says a lab test confirmed the virus in an adult male who did not require hospitalization and has recovered. "He did experience some of the typical signs and symptoms of West Nile Virus," says Langfeldt, including headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and weakness.
This first human case is a good occasion to review West Nile precautions: eliminate standing water, keep window screens in good repair, limit your time outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, and use mosquito repellents containing DEET. Langfeldt suggests checking with your family doctor before using DEET repellents on children.
In 2007, 12 Wisconsin residents developed West Nile infection. So far this year, West Nile virus has been found in 11 birds and one horse in ten counties. Local health departments and the Department of Health Services will continue surveillance for West Nile Virus until the end of the mosquito season.
