The Manitowoc County Health Department is reporting the first case of West Nile Virus in a human.
West Nile spreads to humans through the bite of a mosquito, not spread from person to person.
The health department states that while 80% of those who become infected don’t get sick, those who do get mild symptoms like fever, headache, and fatigue.
However, a very small percentage of people, especially the elderly, could become seriously ill with symptoms like a high fever, muscle weakness, paralysis, and coma.
As always, the Manitowoc County Health Department reminds residents to reduce their exposure to West Nile by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and getting rid of standing water.
Everyone can also avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent with DEET and wearing loose-fitting long sleeves and pants. Mosquitos won’t be active once there’s a hard frost, meaning temperatures below 28 degrees for more than four hours.
Most West Nile Virus cases are common during the months of August and September.
