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CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, Communications Director 608-266-1683
STATE ACTIVATES WEST NILE VIRUS HOTLINE TO REPORT DEAD
BIRDS
MADISON - State health officials today announced that they have
reactivated the statewide, toll-free Dead Bird Reporting Hotline to
respond to reports of sick or dead birds and requests for West Nile virus
testing. Persons who observe a dead bird in their yard or who have a
question about a dead bird should call the Dead Bird Reporting Hotline
at 1-800-433-1610.
"Dead wild birds act as an early warning system for West Nile
virus," said Diep Hoang Johnson, the state's West Nile virus
Surveillance Coordinator. "While very few mosquitoes actually carry
the virus, we want to do all we can to protect someone from being bit by
an infected mosquito. Finding the virus in birds indicates that the virus
may be present in the mosquito population in a particular area."
West Nile virus (WNV) is an infection that can occur in warm weather
months when mosquitoes are active. The virus is spread to people by the
bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. Mosquitoes get infected with
WNV by feeding on infected birds and can transmit the virus to other
animals, birds, and humans.
Most people infected with West Nile virus will not have any symptoms,
but those who do become ill may develop a fever, headache, and rash that
lasts a few days. Symptoms may begin between three to 15 days after being
bitten by an infected mosquito, and people who become ill should contact
their healthcare provider. In rare cases, WNV can cause severe disease
with symptoms such as headache, fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck,
disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, coma, and potentially
death. Older people are at greater risk of developing severe illness.
Preventing mosquito bites will prevent West Nile virus infection. Since
all mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs and complete their life cycle,
reducing or eliminating standing water reduces potential breeding sites,
mosquito numbers, and the risk for mosquito bites.
Below are some measures to help decrease your exposure to mosquitoes:
- Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most
active.
- Apply insect repellant to exposed skin and spray clothing with
insect repellant 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.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus other than to treat
symptoms. If you think you have a West Nile virus infection, contact your
healthcare provider.
The Department has monitored the spread of WNV since 2001. The
surveillance program monitors wild birds, horses, mosquitoes, and humans
for West Nile virus. In 2002, the state documented its first human
infections with 52 human cases. This was followed by 17 human cases in
2003, 12 in 2004, 17 in 2005, and 21 in 2006.
For more information on West Nile virus, go to http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/westnilevirus/
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Last Revised: October 24, 2008 |
