Mosquito-borne diseases are spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Despite their size, mosquitos are one of the world’s deadliest animals, due to their ability to carry and spread disease-causing bacteria, viruses and parasites. Although the threat is not high in Wisconsin, because of our northern climate, everyone is still at risk.
Symptoms of mosquito-borne diseases can vary greatly in severity. Typically, most infections are mild, resulting in a slight fever and/or a headache. Severe infections can be marked by a rapid onset of a headache, high fever, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsion and infrequently paralysis or death.
In Wisconsin, the most common mosquito-borne diseases are West Nile Virus and La Crosse Encephalitis. Residents who travel to other countries can also be at risk for travel-related diseases, such as Malaria, Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever or Zika virus infection.
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Local Information & Data
In 2016, there were 3 confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in Rock County(RCPHD, 2016).
What You Can Do
Reduce mosquito populations in your environment
Start in the spring to reduce breeding areas and summer populations.
- Inspect your property and get rid of or maintain items that can hold water.
- Mosquitos need water to complete their development and commonly use containers that fill up with rainwater.
- Common items: tires, buckets, pots, toys, clogged gutters.
- Keep mosquitos out of your home.
- Install and maintain window and door screens
- Use air conditioning when available
Protect yourself from mosquito bites
Mid-summer through early fall, the risk is the greatest.
- Use Repellent.
- Wear repellent containing DEET (up to 30%). Do not use on infants under 2 months of age.
- Apply permethrin-based repellents to clothing. Do not apply permethrin to the skin.
- Use other natural and alternative products. It is recommended to use only Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved products.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Avoid outdoor activity, if possible, during peak mosquito feeding times.
- Dawn and dusk for mosquitos that spread West Nile virus
- Daytime for mosquitos that spread La Crosse virus
Protect yourself when traveling
- Be aware of potential diseases in areas you are traveling to. Check for any travel advisories:
- Discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider.
- Consider preventative medications or vaccines for infections such as Malaria or Yellow Fever.