West Nile Virus Confirmed in Calumet County

Calumet County Public Health is advising residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites, as West Nile virus (WNV) has been confirmed in our county.

Additionally, on August 29, 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) confirmed the first three human cases of WNV in Wisconsin for 2024 among residents of Outagamie, Fond du Lac, and Brown counties.

An average of 18 cases of WNV illness are reported among Wisconsin residents every year. WNV transmission can occur at any time of the year when mosquitoes are active. Most people with WNV report becoming ill in August or September.

WNV is spread to humans, birds, and other animals through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is not spread directly from person to person, animal to animal, or animal to person.

Most people who are infected with WNV do not get sick. Those who become ill usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, rash, and fatigue. However, some people who become infected with the virus get seriously ill with symptoms that may include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, confusion, paralysis, and coma. Older adults and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing a severe illness that can be fatal. It is important that people contact a health care provider if they suspect they have WNV illness.

Wisconsin DHS and Calumet County Public Health recommend individuals follow these tips to protect themselves against mosquito bites:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Apply an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing.
• Before heading outdoors, treat clothing with permethrin; do not apply permethrin directly to the skin.
• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities outside of the evening or early morning hours when mosquitoes that spread WNV are most active.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

• Make sure window and door screens are intact and tightly fitted to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
• Prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your home by removing stagnant water from items around your property, such as tin cans, plastic containers, flowerpots, discarded tires, roof gutters, and downspouts.
• Turn over wheelbarrows, kiddie pools, buckets, and small boats, such as canoes and kayaks, when not in use.
• Change the water in bird baths and pet dishes at least every three days.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers.
• Trim or mow tall grass, weeds, and vines; mosquitoes use these areas to rest during daylight hours.

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