Wisconsin is reporting its first cases of West Nile virus in animals for the year.
State health officials say a dead bird in Eau Claire County and a horse in Chippewa County have tested positive for the virus. DHFS spokeswoman Stephanie Marquis says it's an important indicator that the threat is still out there. Every year, the Department and local health departments test dead birds and animals for signs of the virus. Its presence helps officials spread the word that extra precautions are needed among high risk groups to prevent an infection.
Marquis says only about 20-percent of the population is at risk of contracting the virus, with the young, elderly, and those with weakened immune systems among the most vulnerable. Those groups are urged to limit their time outdoors, as well as wear protective clothing and insect repellent. The state recorded 12 human cases of West Nile virus in 2007.
Even though heavy flooding has caused a quick boost to the mosquito population this summer, Marquis says the risk for the virus is no worse than usual. She says most of the mosquitoes around the state right now are "nuisance" breeds that carry little risk of disease.