WAUKESHA (WITI) -- Waukesha County Department of Parks and Land Use - Division of Environmental Health has been notified from the Wisconsin Division of Health that one crow has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). These results are the first confirmation of a WNV positive bird found in Waukesha County in 2013, since surveillance for the mosquito-transmitted virus began May 1.
The crow was found in August, in the Town of Lisbon.
The positive result means that residents of Waukesha County need to be more vigilant in their personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites.
West Nile Virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes get the virus by feeding on infected birds.
Waukesha County residents should be aware of WNV and take some simple steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites. The best way to avoid the WNV disease is to reduce exposure to and eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
The Waukesha County Health and Human Services Department recommends the following:
The majority of people (80%) who are infected with WNV do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, or rash. Less than 1% of people infected with the virus get seriously ill.
Waukesha County, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Division of Public Health, will continue surveillance for WNV until the end of the mosquito season. Now that WNV positive birds have been identified in the County, testing will be discontinued, but reports of sick or dead crows, blue jays, or ravens should still be reported.
To report a sick or dead crow, blue jay, or raven, please call the Dead Bird Reporting Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.