Dead bird found near Appleton tests positive for West Nile
By: Jim McShea
Updated: September 21, 2012
Appleton, Wis. (WFRV) - A dead crow found this month in Appleton has tested positive for West Nile virus.
Local health officials say residents should take precautions in protecting themselves against mosquito bites now that the virus is present in our area.
The illness can be fatal for older adults and those with compromised immune systems, but the danger of that is less than one percent
"For most people West Nile virus is a non-issue," Kurt Eggebrecht, Appleton's Health Officer says, "80% of people that get bit by a mosquito that's infected with West Nile virus won't even know it they won't even have symptoms."
This year, Wisconsin has seen the most human West Nile virus cases since 2003 when the mosquito-borne virus was first detected.
The state will continue to monitor crows, blue jays and ravens through the dead bird reporting hotline.
