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West Nile in the neighborhood

A crow in northern Wisconsin has tested positive for West Nile virus, the first bird found to have the mosquito-borne disease in Vilas County for 2016.

“The positive bird means that residents of Vilas County need to continue to be careful in their efforts to prevent mosquito bites,” said Gina Egan, health officer.

It also means West Nile isn’t that far away from Dickinson County and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula – as the crow flies – so residents should look to take steps to protect themselves.

West Nile virus first was detected in Michigan in 2001, and since has been found across the state.

Though West Nile can be reported from June to October, most cases turn up in August and September, health officials said. So this is the most risky time.

“The virus seems to be here to stay. The best way to avoid the disease is to limit exposure to and get rid of breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” Egan said.

Health officials recommend:

– Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

– Use insect repellant on clothing as well as exposed skin, since mosquitoes may bite through clothing.

– Make sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquito entry.

– Properly discard items that hold water, such as tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or discarded tires.

– Make sure gutters and downspouts have proper drainage.

– Turn over wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats, and canoes when not in use.

– Change the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least every three days.

– Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers.

– Trim tall grass, weeds, and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.

– Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.

Michigan’s first human case of West Nile virus in 2016 turned up July 22 in an older adult downstate in Livingston County.

About 80 percent of people who contract West Nile virus actually do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle aches, rash and fatigue.

Less than 1 percent of people infected with the virus get seriously ill, suffering from high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, confusion, paralysis, and coma. Older adults and those with weak immune systems have a greater chance to develop a central nervous system illness that can lead to death.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has monitored the spread of West Nile virus since 2001 among wild birds, horses, mosquitoes and people.

While corvid bird species – such as crows, ravens and jays – have been most susceptible, accounting for 50 to 90 percent of reported avian cases, more than 170 other avian species in North America have been identified as having the virus.

In Michigan, West Nile virus in birds or mammals can be reported to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources online at www.michigandnr.com/diseasedwildlifereporting/disease_obsreport.asp

The Wisconsin Division of Public Health will continue surveillance for West Nile virus as well until the end of the mosquito season. To report a sick or dead crow, blue jay or raven in Wisconsin, call the Dead Bird Reporting Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.

For more information on West Nile virus, go to Michigan’s website at www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/0,4579,7-186-25805–,00.html or in Wisconsin to the www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/ArboviralDiseases/WestNileVirus/Index.htm.

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