Captured Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus
Results are Typical for this time of Year
Throughout the summer season, PHMDC (Public Health Madison and Dane County) staff have been trapping adult mosquitoes to measure the amount of mosquito activity and to look for signs of West Nile virus (WNV) infection. This week, adult mosquitoes testing positive for WNV were captured in the Madison Metropolitan area. These mosquitoes were collected as part of an ongoing surveillance program performed by PHMDC in partnership with UW-Madison Department of Entomology and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
This is the time of year where we normally see a spike in WNV activity and, while no cause for alarm, this information serves as a good reminder that we need to continue protecting ourselves from mosquito bites.
Last year, a total of 4 cases of WNV (2 confirmed and 2 probable) were reported in Dane County during the 2013 mosquito season; a total of 23 cases have been reported in this county since 2002.
Don´t let the cool weather make you let your guard down and think that mosquito season is over. They are still here and still biting. So be sure to take the normal precautions against getting bitten, including wearing long sleeves and pants and using repellant especially during the dawn and dusk hours when mosquitoes get active.
For more information on preventing mosquito bites
For more information regarding West Nile virus in Wisconsin
For information on WNV and PHMDC´s monitoring efforts
For further background information regarding West Nile virus
For other questions about WNV in Dane County, call PHMDC at (608) 266-4821.
