A dead crow found in Brown County has tested positive for West Nile virus, according to Brown County Health and Human Services, the De Pere Health Department and the Oneida Community Health Center.
This is the first bird that tested positive for the virus in Brown County since surveillance started for the mosquito-transmitted virus May 1.
"The positive bird means that residents of Brown County need to be more vigilant in their personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites,” health officials said.
West Nile can be spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitos get the virus by feeding on infected birds.
If you live in Brown County, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
- Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Apply insect repellent to clothing as well as exposed skin since mosquitoes may bite through clothing.
- Make sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquito entry.
- Properly dispose of items around your property that hold water, such as tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or discarded tires.
- Clean roof gutters and downspouts for proper drainage.
- Turn over wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats, and canoes when not in use.
- Change the water in bird baths and pet dishes at least every three days.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers.
- Trim tall grass, weeds, and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.
- Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.
80% of people who are infected with West Nile do not get sick, according to the public health departments. Those who do get sick may experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, rash and fatigue.
Less than 1% of people infected get seriously ill. Older adults and those with compromised immune systems are at great risk.
Last year, 13 cases of West Nile virus were reported in Wisconsin.
WATCH: Deer walks through Festival Foods in Darboy
