The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed two Wisconsinites have died and another was hospitalized because of West Nile virus (WNV) illness. The first three human cases of West Nile in Wisconsin this year have been reported in residents of Outagamie, Fond du Lac, and Brown counties. In addition, the virus has also been detected this year in mosquitoes, animals, and healthy blood donors whose blood screened positive for WNV. Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller tells WFDL news that one of the deaths is a Fond du Lac County resident. WNV is spread to humans, birds, and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire WNV by feeding on infected birds. The virus is not spread directly from person to person, animal to animal, or animal to person. An average of 18 cases of WNV illness are reported among Wisconsin residents every year. WNV transmission can occur any time that mosquitoes are active; however, most people with WNV report becoming ill in August or September. Most people who are infected with WNV do not have symptoms.
