SHAWANO, Wis. (WFRV) – The first human West Nile virus case in northeast Wisconsin in 2025 has been confirmed in Shawano County, officials with the Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department announced on Thursday.
According to a release, the virus was confirmed to be in a healthy blood donor from Shawano County after their blood screened positive. Officials say this confirms that mosquitoes in the area are infected with the virus, which can be spread to people and animals.
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The virus has been detected in people this year in other portions of the state who have become sick. 12 of the previously confirmed 13 human cases in Wisconsin resulted in hospitalizations; however, no deaths were reported.
The majority of individuals infected with the virus don’t get sick; thus, healthy blood donors could unknowingly donate. As such, all donated blood is tested before it is used, and if positive, it is removed from the blood supply.
The virus is not spread directly from person to person, animal to animal or animal to person; it is spread solely by infected mosquitoes, which get it from feeding on an infected bird.
Mild symptoms are typical if infected individuals become ill, with symptoms like fevers, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue or rashes. Less than 1% of infections can cause serious illnesses, with older adults and immunocompromised individuals at greater risk.
Officials with the Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department provided the following tips to lower the risk of a mosquito bite:
- Apply an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing
- Treat clothing with permethrin, not directly on skin, before heading outdoors
- Reschedule outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning hours
- Wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors
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The following tips were provided as well for mosquito-proofing homes:
- Remove stagnant water from items around the property
- Make sure windows and screen doors are intact and tightly fitted
- Trim or mow tall grass, weeds and vines
Click here for more information from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
