West Nile virus is
believed to have reached humans in Dane County, affecting as many as three
people, one health official said.

Amanda Kita-Yarbro,
communicable disease epidemiologist for Madison and Dane County Public Health,
said Friday there was one “probable” case and two “suspected” cases.  The
department had only received details over the latter two Friday and had
not yet investigated the matter, according to Kita-Yarbro.

All cases must be
confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kita-Yarbro said,
but she added MDCPH considers the “probable” case to be West Nile.

“We would consider her a
case,” she said, after explaining the patient is an adult female.

The other two suspected
cases are also adults, she said.

The virus was detected
after the woman attempted to donate blood, according to Kita-Yarbro. She said she is
recovering and was not hospitalized.

The Wisconsin Department
of Health Services did not immediately return phone or email messages for this
story.

Should any of the three
cases be confirmed, it would be the first human case of the virus in Dane
County this year. Health officials found a dead bird with the virus in Dane
County in July, according to a WDHS statement.

The Milwaukee
Journal-Sentinel reported Thursday two people who tested positive for West Nile
in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties died, although the causes of death have yet
to be determined. Nobody in Wisconsin has died from the virus since 2008,
according to the Journal-Sentinel.

In late August, WDHS had announced the first human case of West Nile in Dodge County, which borders Dane
to the northeast. One other human case has been found in Kenosha County,
according to the WDHS.

Eighty percent of humans
infected with West Nile never experience any symptoms, while 20 percent sustain
a mild illness consisting of rashes, headaches and a fever, among others. Less
than 1 percent experience serious symptoms such as convulsions, tremors or
neck stiffness and require hospitalization.

“It seems that elderly
people are more susceptible to the severe disease and possibly some people who
have underlying health conditions too,” Kita-Yarbro said.

The virus is transmitted
from birds to mosquitoes and then to any animals they may bite. People can report
dead birds for testing by calling 800-433-1610, a WDHS statement said.

According to Kita-Yarbro,
the mosquito season can last until the first “hard freeze” of the coming
winter.

“Here in Dane County that
could be until October,” she said. “It’s really hard to say, especially with
the way the weather’s been this year.”

According to WDHS, tips to
avoid exposure to mosquitoes include:

• Minimize time spent outside at dawn and dusk,
  when mosquitoes are active.
• Use insect repellant on skin and clothing.
• Prevent mosquitoes from entering your home by
  ensuring window and door screens are in good condition.
• Prevent standing water so mosquitoes
  cannot use it as a breeding ground.
• Clean roof gutters and downspouts so water
  drains properly.
• Change water in birdbaths and pet dishes at
  least every three days.