West Nile Virus Reported in Wisconsin, Infection Higher During Summer Months

During summer time, it's difficult to watch mosquitoes repeatedly popping up in your yard, on your way to work and even in your home.

And for Wisconsin residents, the first day of summer, in fact, marks the first reported case of the deadly West Nile virus in their state this year.

State health officials reported Thursday that a dead bird in Washington County has tested positive for the virus-a sign that human cases may follow.

"Although very few mosquitoes actually carry West Nile virus, infected birds serve as an early warning that the virus is present in the area and that people should be more vigilant in protecting themselves against mosquito bites," officials said in a press release from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Yet, health officials believe this is rather typical for the summer months.

According to epidemiologist of the Wisconsin Division of Public Health, via Patch, avian cases generally begin in May and June.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that most people who become infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. However, 1 in 5 people will develop a fever, body aches, a headache, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. Fortunately, the organization notes that most with this type of the virus recover completely, but may be fatigued for a period of several months. Less than 1 percent will develop a serious neurological illness.

Make sure to protect yourself against West Nile by using repellant products and mosquito nets, as there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatments against infection at this time.