Health officials confirm two deaths related to West Nile Virus

WAUKESHA -- Waukesha County Health officials are trying to spread the word about West Nile Virus after the Wisconsin Division of Public Health confirmed Thursday, September 6th two people listed as probable cases of the virus have died. Officials say there are 12 probably cases of West Nile statewide.

While very little information has been released at this time, state health officials say the two deaths occurred in Waukesha and Milwaukee counties, and involve individuals in their 70s.

Health officials warn the elderly are considered at high-risk of death from West Nile Virus.

"West Nile is a serious disease. People who are more likely to become seriously-ill are people age 50 and older, or people with conditions that compromise their immune system," Waukesha county Public Health Nurse Rosie Kapp said.

The three probable cases in Waukesha County were reported in August.

Health officials say while most West Nile cases never get to the level where they're considered serious, people should be aware of the serious symptoms.

"A high-fever, a very severe headache that may be accompanied by a stiff neck. There are other symptoms, such as muscle-weakness, and then you get into disorientation, confusion. These are all very serious symptoms," Kapp said.

Wisconsin's lone confirmed West Nile Virus case is in Dodge County.

Wisconsin had three West Nile Virus cases last year, and no reported deaths. The last reported fatality in Wisconsin from West Nile Virus was in 2008.

Officials in Waukesha County Tuesday, September 4th said three crows have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

These results are the first confirmation of  WNV positive birds found in Waukesha County in 2012 since surveillance for the mosquito-transmitted virus began May 1st. The crows were found in August in the City of New Berlin, the City of Pewaukee and the Town of Brookfield.

The Waukesha County Health and Human Services Department recommends the following in regards to West Nile Virus:

    CLICK HERE for additional West Nile Virus information via the Wisconsin Health Department's website.

    CLICK HERE for additional West Nile Virus information via FOX6Now.com.