A dead crow in Brown County has tested positive for West Nile virus.
The Brown county Health Department says this is the first bird that tested positive for West Nile virus in Brown County since they started watching for the virus in May of this year.
Debbie Armbruster the Interim Health Officer/ Public Health Director said, “The positive bird means that residents of Brown County need to be more vigilant in their personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites.”
Humans get West Nile virus when an infected mosquito bites them. Mosquitos are infected with West Nile virus when they feed on infected birds.
The Brown County Health Department recommends the public does the following to reduce exposure and eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes:
- Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Apply insect repellant 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 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 birdbaths 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.
The Health Department days the majority of people, about 80%, who are infected with West Nile virus do not get sick. The people who do become sick usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, rash, and fatigue. Less than 1% of people that become infected with the virus get seriously ill with symptoms that include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, paralysis, and coma.
Older adults and people with compromised immune systems are at a greater risk of developing central nervous system illness that can be fatal.
