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Health authorities in Milwaukee are reporting the first probable human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) this year, prompting the public to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
"Although summer is coming to an end, it's important to stay vigilant about preventing mosquito bites," said Health Commissioner Jeannette Kowalik. "The risk of getting WNV is present whenever mosquitoes are active."
Most cases of WNV in humans occur in Wisconsin in August and September.
West Nile virus is usually transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause serious illness in people and horses, although only 20% of those infected develop symptoms.
People who develop symptoms usually report fever, headache, body aches and muscle weakness. Rarely, individuals may experience more serious symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, stiff neck and / or encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain. These severe cases can lead to paralysis or death, and usually occur in people over 50 years of age.
As of 4 September 2018, 45 states and the District of Columbia reported West Nile virus infections in humans, birds or mosquitoes in 2018. A total of 559 cases of West Nile virus been reported to the CDC. Of these, 312 (56%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 247 (44%) were classified as non neuroinvasive disease.
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