Mosquito pool in Milwaukee tests positive for West Nile Virus

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reminding people to take precautions against mosquitos. 

The alert comes after a mosquito pool in the city of Milwaukee was the first in the state this season to test positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). 

According to health officials, about 80% of those infected with WNV don't experience symptoms but the illness can cause fever, rash, headache, fatigue, joint pain, and some other serious health problems. 

WNV is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito and is not transmitted person to person. Health officials are reminding people to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, including:

• Apply an insect repellant with DEET, IR 3535, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothing as well as exposed skin (see restrictions for use in children).
All these products can be found in your local drug or outdoor stores. For more information on repellent use, visit the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover exposed skin.
• Limit time outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitos are most active.
• Prevent mosquitos from breeding by removing stagnant water from areas such as flowerpots, plastic containers, gutters, and downspouts. Water in birdbaths and pet dishes should be changed at least every three days. Swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs should be cleaned and chlorinated.
• Trim tall grass, weeds, and vines as mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours, and landscaping to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.
• Report sick or dead birds to the Dead Bird Hotline at 1-800-433-1610; the line is open each year from May 1st – October 31st.
• Mosquito-proofing your home by fixing holes in screens, windows, and doors.

For more information on West Nile Virus, visit:

Department of Health Services: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/mosquito/wnv-data.htm

City of Milwaukee Health Department: www.milwaukee.gov/westnilevirus