Star Journal

Top Menu

  • Contact Us
  • Hodag Star Journal E-Edition
  • Subscribe

Main Menu

  • Local
    • News
    • Business
    • Schools
    • Law & Order
    • Arts & Ent
    • Wedding Planner
    • Viewpoint
    • Sports
      • Sports News
      • High School Sports Scores
  • Covid 19
  • Outdoors
  • Wellness
  • Classifieds
    • View Ads
    • Place Ads
  • Our Legals
    • Legal Ads
    • Statewide
  • Obits
  • Lake View
  • Northwoods NOW
  • Living On The Lake
  • Contact Us
  • Hodag Star Journal E-Edition
  • Subscribe

logo

Star Journal

  • Local
    • News
    • Business
    • Schools
    • Law & Order
    • Arts & Ent
    • Wedding Planner
    • Viewpoint
    • Sports
      • Sports News
      • High School Sports Scores
  • Covid 19
  • Outdoors
  • Wellness
  • Classifieds
    • View Ads
    • Place Ads
  • Our Legals
    • Legal Ads
    • Statewide
  • Obits
  • Lake View
  • Northwoods NOW
  • Living On The Lake
NewsOutdoorsWellness
Home›Local›News›Oneida County bird tests positive for West Nile virus

Oneida County bird tests positive for West Nile virus

By StarJournal
July 5, 2017
1021
0
Share:

Protect yourself against mosquito bites

STAR JOURNAL REPORT

A dead crow found in Three Lakes June 26 has tested positive for West Nile virus.  The Oneida County Health Department has reported this is the first bird that tested positive for virus in the county since surveillance for the mosquito-transmitted virus began May 1.

West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds.

Oneida County residents are reminded to be aware of West Nile virus and to take some simple steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites. The best way to avoid the disease is to reduce exposure to and eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

The Oneida County Health Department recommends the following:

•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 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.

Eighty percent of people who are infected with West Nile virus do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, rash, and fatigue. Less than one percent of people infected with the virus get seriously ill with symptoms that include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, confusion, paralysis, and coma. Older adults and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of developing central nervous system illness that can be fatal.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has monitored the spread of West Nile virus since 2001 among wild birds, horses, mosquitoes, and people. During 2002, the state documented its first human infections and 52 cases were reported that year. During 2016, 13 cases of West Nile virus infection were reported among Wisconsin residents. West Nile virus infections in humans have been reported from June through October; however, most reported becoming ill with West Nile virus in August and September.

The Wisconsin Division of Public Health will continue surveillance for West Nile virus until the end of the mosquito season. To report a sick or dead crow, blue jay, or raven, please call the Dead Bird Reporting Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.

For more information on West Nile virus: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/ArboviralDiseases/WestNileVirus/Index.htm

TagsOneida County Health DepartmentWest Nile Virus
Previous Article

RHS ALUMNI BASEBALL: Evens beat Odds, 5-2

Next Article

Obituary: Caroline Thrun Adams

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Related articles More from author

  • Latest NewsWellness

    West Nile Virus found in Vilas County

    August 16, 2016
    By StarJournal
  • LocalNews

    Creating strong bonds

    August 19, 2016
    By StarJournal
  • Latest NewsWellness

    Pertussis alert in Oneida County

    December 15, 2016
    By StarJournal
  • NewsSchoolsWellness

    Pertussis forces public health balancing act

    December 22, 2016
    By StarJournal
  • NewsSchoolsWellness

    Pertussis in the Northwoods again

    May 3, 2017
    By StarJournal
  • LocalNews

    County committee awards bid for health/aging parking paving

    June 19, 2017
    By Star Journal

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

About Us


Star Journal is published by Multi Media Channels LLC, N2919 County Road QQ Waupaca, WI 54981.

  • Contact Us
  • Hodag Star Journal E-Edition
  • Subscribe
Copyright © 2020 Multi Media Channels LLC.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted without the prior written consent of Multi Media Channels LLC.
×