West Nile

[AJE]

West Nile virus can infect wild birds, which serve as reservoirs for the virus, as well as humans and horses. The cycle begins when mosquitoes bite infected birds to feed on their blood, and then carry the virus in their salivary glands. The insects can then transmit the virus when they bite other birds, other animals and people. Humans and animals other than birds are called incidental hosts — although not part of the transmission cycle, they can get ill from West Nile virus infection.

Tips for avoiding West Nile Disease

Wisconsin residents should be aware of West Nile virus and take some simple steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites. The West Nile virus seems to be here to stay, so the best way to avoid the disease is to reduce exposure to and eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

:arrow: Maintain window screens in good repair to decrease indoor contact with mosquitoes.

:arrow: Avoid being outside during times of high mosquito activity, specifically around dawn and dusk.

:arrow: Wear light colored protective clothing such as long pants, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and tuck pants in socks when outdoors.

:arrow: When outdoors, consider using an effective mosquito repellant containing an active ingredient registered by the EPA, such as DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

:arrow: Do not provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes — remove containers, old tires and any objects where water can collect and mosquitoes can lay eggs.

[AJE]

West Nile Virus Found in Birds

Wisconsin
Jun 19, 2006
http://www.wxow.com/news/publish/art...cle_4808.shtml

Three crows and one blue jay tested positive for the disease. They were found in Douglas, Ashland, Jackson, and Outagamie counties. So far, the state has collected 340 birds and tested 24. The number of human cases of West Nile has dropped steadily over the past four years. Only seven cases were reported in Wisconsin last year, and no reports have been filed this year. This disease is spread by mosquitoes. To prevent the virus, state experts recommend draining water from pool and hot tub covers, repairing damaged screens, and using strong insect repellents.

[AJE]

More West Nile In Western Wisconsin
Friday, June 30, 2006

More cases of West Nile Virus in western Wisconsin. In addition to Eau Claire, the virus has now been found in dead birds in Pepin, Jackson, Taylor, and St. Croix counties, and in a horse in Clark county. :cry:

[CarGuy]

How do you know if you or your animal for that matter are infected... Are there some tell tale signs?

[AJE]

The majority of cases develop in late summer and early fall.

Most infections with this virus cause no illness at all. However, about 1/5 of people infected with the virus suffer flu-like symptoms
:arrow: Fever
:arrow: Generally not feeling well
:arrow: Lack of appetite
:arrow: Nausea
:arrow: Vomiting
:arrow: Headache
:arrow: Body aches
:arrow: Eye pain
:arrow: Muscle pain
:arrow: Swollen lymph nodes
:arrow: Rash



About 1/150 people infected with the virus develop neurologic symptoms. These symptoms include the following:

:arrow: Encephalitis – inflammation of the brain
:arrow: Meningitis – inflammation of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord
:arrow: Poliomyelitis – paralysis combined with fever and meningitis
Symptoms of serious neurologic disease include the following:

:arrow: High fever
:arrow: Stiff neck
:arrow: A change in mental status
:arrow: Confusion or disorientation
:arrow: Stupor
:arrow: Severe muscle weakness
:arrow: Paralysis