The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has confirmed this year’s first case of the West Nile Virus in a human. That person is a resident of Waukesha County.
West Nile Virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus is not transmitted person to person. Not many mosquitos actually carry the virus, but you should still take steps to minimize exposure and eliminate their breeding grounds.
- Use insect repellents (bug spray) when you go outdoors. Those which DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection.
- Wear long sleeves and pants from dusk through dawn when many mosquitoes are most active.
- Install or fix screens on windows and doors. If you have it, use your air conditioning.
- Help lower the number of mosquitoes around your home. Empty standing water from containers such as flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths.
