IOWA COUNTY HORSE TESTS POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS

Protect Yourself Against Mosquito Bites 

Iowa County – The Iowa County Health Department is reminding people to protect themselves from  mosquito bites now that a horse in Iowa County has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The  presence of a horse with WNV confirms that there are mosquitoes in the area infected with WNV that  can transmit the virus to people and other animals. Previous WNV infections in people, mosquitoes, and  animals have already been reported in other parts of the state this year. 

WNV is transmitted to humans, horses, birds, and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.  Mosquitoes acquire WNV by feeding on infected birds. The virus is not spread from person to person,  animal to animal, or animal to person.  

Most people (80%) who are infected with WNV do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually  experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, rash, and fatigue. However, some  people (less than 1%) who become 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  severe illness that can be fatal. It is important that people contact a health care provider if they suspect  they have WNV illness.  

Public health officials in Wisconsin have monitored the spread of WNV since 2001. An average of 18  (range 1-57) human cases of WNV were reported among Wisconsin residents each year. WNV infections  in humans have been reported from June through October; however, most people with WNV reported  becoming ill in August and September. 

A WNV vaccine is available for horses. Horse owners should contact their veterinarian to discuss  vaccination recommendations for their animals. In addition to vaccination, horse owners can protect their  horses by removing standing water and keeping animals inside from dusk to dawn.  

The best way to avoid illnesses spread by mosquitoes is to reduce exposure to mosquitoes and eliminate  mosquito breeding sites. Mosquitoes will no longer be active once there is a hard frost (temperatures below  28 degrees for at least four consecutive hours), but until then, people are urged to take measures to protect  themselves.  

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The Iowa County Health Department recommends the following: 

Avoid Mosquito Bites  

• Apply an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to  exposed skin and clothing.  

• Prior to heading outdoors, treat clothing with permethrin; do not apply permethrin  directly to skin. 

• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning  hours, when mosquitoes are most active.  

• Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away  from your skin. 

Mosquito-Proof Your Home  

• Make sure window and door screens are intact and tightly-fitted to prevent mosquitoes  from getting into your home.  

• Prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your home by removing stagnant water from  items around your property, such as tin cans, plastic containers, flowerpots, discarded  tires, roof gutters, and downspouts.  

• Turn over wheelbarrows, kiddie pools, buckets, and small boats such as canoes and  kayaks when not in use.  

• Change the water in bird baths and pet dishes at least every three days.  

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs; drain water from  pool covers.  

• Trim or mow tall grass, weeds, and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during  hot daylight hours.