DANE COUNTY, Wis. — The first West Nile virus human case in Dane County was confirmed Thursday, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Public Health Madison and Dane County.
In late July, the first West Nile virus human case was reported in Barron County. Other human cases have been reported in Rusk and Sheboygan counties.
For context, this virus is spread to humans 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.
Most people infected with West Nile virus, about 80%, do not develop symptoms. Those who do typically experience mild illness, such as fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and rash.
There are four human cases, two hospitalizations and zero deaths as of Friday morning.
Wisconsin DHS has a website that details how people can avoid mosquito bites.
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