News
September 19, 2025
West Nile virus detected in Dunn County blood donor; residents advised to prevent mosquito bites
The Dunn County Health Department in Wisconsin has confirmed the first human West Nile virus infection in a healthy blood donor, indicating the presence of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in the area.
**West Nile Virus Found in Dunn County, Wisconsin; Health Officials Urge Mosquito Bite Prevention**
Dunn County, Wisconsin, is on alert after the Health Department confirmed the presence of West Nile virus (WNV) in a local blood donor. This marks the first human detection of the virus in the county this year and signals that mosquitoes carrying the illness are actively circulating in the area.
The Dunn County Health Department announced the finding, emphasizing that the infected individual was a healthy blood donor. This discovery was made during routine screening procedures of donated blood, highlighting the vigilance of blood donation programs in monitoring public health. While the donor showed no symptoms at the time of donation, the detection confirms that the virus is present and potentially spreading through mosquito bites.
West Nile virus is typically spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. While many people infected with WNV experience no symptoms, some can develop a fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, and skin rash. In rare cases, the virus can lead to more serious neurological illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis, which can be life-threatening.
The Health Department is strongly advising all Dunn County residents and visitors to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. These precautions include:
* **Applying insect repellent:** Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Always follow the instructions on the product label.
* **Wearing protective clothing:** When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
* **Eliminating standing water:** Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Regularly drain any containers around your home that can collect water, such as flowerpots, tires, buckets, and birdbaths.
* **Ensuring screens are intact:** Make sure your window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
The Dunn County Health Department will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to the public. Residents who experience symptoms of West Nile virus should consult with their healthcare provider. By taking preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting WNV and help protect the health of the community.
Dunn County, Wisconsin, is on alert after the Health Department confirmed the presence of West Nile virus (WNV) in a local blood donor. This marks the first human detection of the virus in the county this year and signals that mosquitoes carrying the illness are actively circulating in the area.
The Dunn County Health Department announced the finding, emphasizing that the infected individual was a healthy blood donor. This discovery was made during routine screening procedures of donated blood, highlighting the vigilance of blood donation programs in monitoring public health. While the donor showed no symptoms at the time of donation, the detection confirms that the virus is present and potentially spreading through mosquito bites.
West Nile virus is typically spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. While many people infected with WNV experience no symptoms, some can develop a fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, and skin rash. In rare cases, the virus can lead to more serious neurological illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis, which can be life-threatening.
The Health Department is strongly advising all Dunn County residents and visitors to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. These precautions include:
* **Applying insect repellent:** Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Always follow the instructions on the product label.
* **Wearing protective clothing:** When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
* **Eliminating standing water:** Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Regularly drain any containers around your home that can collect water, such as flowerpots, tires, buckets, and birdbaths.
* **Ensuring screens are intact:** Make sure your window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
The Dunn County Health Department will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to the public. Residents who experience symptoms of West Nile virus should consult with their healthcare provider. By taking preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting WNV and help protect the health of the community.
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