No Human Cases yet, but Wisconsin Health Officials Warn of West Nile Virus Threat
DHS said 2 mosquito samples and 1 wild bird tested positive, warning the virus could spread to people and animals.
- On Tuesday, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services confirmed the first West Nile virus activity of 2026, detecting the pathogen in Milwaukee County mosquitoes and a wild bird in Bayfield County.
- While no human cases have been reported in 2026, state officials note these positive detections signal potential spread; Wisconsin averages 19 West Nile cases annually, mostly during late summer.
- Milwaukee Commissioner of Health Mike Totoraitis advised residents to "take simple steps" to reduce risk, including removing standing water, wearing long sleeves, and applying insect repellent with DEET.
- Epidemiologist Rebecca Osborn noted that individuals over age 65 and those with compromised immune systems face higher risks of severe illness, including brain and spinal cord inflammation.
- Mosquito activity and virus risks will persist through summer and fall until a hard frost—defined as temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit for at least four straight hours—ends the season.
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12 Articles
West Nile Virus is active again in Wisconsin. Here's what you can do to stay safe
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services confirmed the first West Nile Virus activity in the state Tuesday. The post West Nile Virus is active again in Wisconsin. Here’s what you can do to stay safe appeared first on WPR.
Dept. of Health Services: First confirmed West Nile Virus activity in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announces the first confirmed West Nile virus (WNV) activity in the state this year. Mosquitoes collected from Milwaukee County have tested positive for WNV and a wild bird from Bayfield County tested positive for the...
APG of Wisconsin
mounthorebmail.comFirst confirmed West Nile virus activity in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announces the first confirmed West Nile virus (WNV) activity in the state this year. Mosquitoes collected from Milwaukee County have tested positive for WNV and a wild bird from Bayfield County tested positive…
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