The Waukesha County Environmental Health Division has been notified of the first confirmed cases of the West Nile Virus in birds found in the County this year. It’s not known where they contracted the disease. “Surveillance still indicates the presence of infected mosquitoes so it is important for people to continue to avoid mosquito bites by using repellent, using clothes to reduce exposed skin and reducing outdoor activity between dusk and dawn”.
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The plan to deal with mosquitoes around the ponds was announced shortly after a mosquito trapped in Costa Mesa this summer tested positive for West Nile virus.
The Health Department said the Brooklyn man who tested positive for the infection is over the age of 40 and has underlying medical conditions.
“We recommend that residents take three actions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes”, said Dr. Tomarken.
There have not been any West Nile-linked deaths in the state this year.
While the Zika Virus has affected 108 people in the state according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, mosquitoes still pose a risk to people due to West Nile Virus.
Severe West Nile virus infections can cause neurologic complications such as encephalitis.
– Ensure window and door screens are in good fix.
As for Zika, most people infected do not experience symptoms, but may have mild symptoms of fever, rash, joint pain or red eyes.
The county Department of Health recommends that individuals should continue to protect themselves when outdoors by using an effective mosquito repellent and wearing long trousers and long sleeves.
There is no cure for the virus, which is often treated with flu remedies. Reporting of sick or dead crows, blue jays, or ravens is still encouraged.
Apply mosquito larvicide, sometimes called mosquito “dunks”, to areas of standing water that can not be drained.
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Those precautions include draining any sources of standing water, like tires, buckets, flowerpots, wading pools and litter.
