The Bureau County Health Department recently learned a crow collected in Princeton on August 15 has tested positive for West Nile Virus.
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Additionally, two more mosquito traps in same location have tested positive for West Nile virus, bringing the total number of positive traps to four.
People are advised to eliminate standing water, wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers during early morning hours and at dusk in mosquito-infested areas and use repellants containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picardin.
Clean up and remove any standing water around their homes, cottages or campsites (mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water).
According to the Center for Disease Control, most people infected with West Nile Virus will have no symptoms.
A small percentage of those exposed develop more severe infections. Also, the risk of contracting a serious illness is highest among those people, who are above the age of 50 years.
West Nile virus is a reportable disease and is part of a statewide information and alert system created to protect animal and human health. Some infected person have some combination of such symptoms as aches, fever and rashes. Right now is the prime time for transmission of West Nile Virus.
Maryland state and Montgomery County agencies expanded their spraying for mosquitos over health concerns about West Nile and Zika viruses.
The Wisconsin Division of Public Health will continue surveillance for West Nile virus until the end of the mosquito season. No mosquitoes in Oswego have tested positive yet this summer for EEE, but EEE-infected mosquitoes have turned up in Cicero in Onondaga County.
The American Red Cross consistently tests blood donations for infectious diseases, including West Nile virus. In 2015, 14 cases of West Nile virus were reported to IDPH. “Protective steps would include a good vaccination protocol, mosquito control, and cleanup of areas around barns and stables to minimize mosquito populations”, he added.
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Keep in mind to cover up or stay inside during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, he said in a recent release.
