MADISON (WKOW) -- Two people from Wisconsin have died and another person has been hospitalized because of West Nile virus, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
The first three human cases of WNV in Wisconsin this year have been reported in residents of Outagamie, Fond du Lac and Brown counties.
Additionally, WNV has also been detected this year in mosquitoes, animals and healthy blood donors whose blood screened positive for WNV.
"DHS is saddened to hear about the deaths of Wisconsin residents from West Nile Virus," said Traci DeSalvo, DHS Bureau of Communicable Diseases director, in a statement. "Although people with weakened immune systems tend to be at greatest risk, severe West Nile virus can occur in people of all ages. It is important for all Wisconsinites to take steps to prevent mosquito bites when outdoors."
WNV is spread to humans, birds and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire WNV by feeding on infected birds. The virus is not spread directly from person to person, animal to animal, or animal to person.
An average of 18 cases of WNV illness are reported among Wisconsin residents every year, according to DHS. WNV transmission can occur any time that mosquitoes are active; however, most people with WNV report becoming ill in August or September.
The DHS said most people who are infected with WNV do not have symptoms. Those who do become ill may experience fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, rash and fatigue. Some people will develop severe illness with symptoms that include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, paralysis, seizure and coma.
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