First Confirmed Activity In 2023

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Wisconsin: Protect Yourself!

First Confirmed Activity in 2023

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed the first West Nile virus activity in the state for 2023. While there have been no human cases of West Nile in Wisconsin this year, there were 25 confirmed cases in 2022.

Urging Protection Against Mosquito Bites

Health officials are urging everyone to protect themselves against mosquito bites to prevent infection with West Nile virus. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, and can cause a range of symptoms from mild fever and headache to more severe neurological complications.

Precautions to Take

To protect yourself from West Nile virus, health officials recommend taking the following precautions:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 when outdoors.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when outside during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk).
• Remove standing water around your home, where mosquitoes can breed.

For more information on West Nile virus and prevention, visit the DHS website: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/health/environmental-health/communicable-diseases/west-nile-virus.htm