WISCONSIN — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) confirmed two people have died and another is hospitalized as a result of the West Nile virus illness. Those first three human cases of the virus in the state this year were reported in residents of Outagamie, Fond du Lac and Brown counties. 

What You Need To Know

  • Wisconsin DHS confirmed two people have died, a third hospitalized as a result of West Nile virus 

  • Those first human cases of the virus in the state this year were reported in Outagamie, Fond du Lac and Brown counties

  • To protect yourself from being bitten: use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, pants and socks when outside and make sure there's no standing water on your property

  • In 80% of cases people with West Nile are asymptomatic, 20% have mild symptoms which include fever, headache, and fatigue. People with weakened immune systems are most at risk

People with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk, but DHS noted severe West Nile virus (WNV) can occur in people of all ages, which makes it important for everyone to take steps to prevent mosquito bites.

That includes wearing insect repellent while outdoors, treat clothing with permethrin and wear long sleeves, pants and socks to keep mosquitoes off your skin.

Also be sure to mosquito-proof your home. Remove stagnant water to keep the insects from breeding. Trim and mow tall grass, weeds and vine. Mosquitoes like to use these areas to rest in the heat. Also, make sure window and door screens are tightly fitted with no tears to prevent insects from getting into your home.

Outagamie County Public Health nursing supervisor, Lilly Wegner said people can experience a range of symptoms or none at all.

“80% of cases don’t have any symptoms at all, which makes it hard to diagnose," Wegner said. "But then there are about 20% who have mild symptoms like fever, headache, fatigue. A lot of symptoms that are common in a lot of other illnesses and diseases.”

Wegner added less than 1% of cases experience severe symptoms. Those range from extreme muscle weakness, to inflammation or swelling of the brain, paralysis and even coma. 

She said when it comes to which insect repellent to use to protect yourself, there’s no wrong answer.

"Whether it’s chemical with Deet or natural with oil of lemon and eucalyptus, those are both great options," said Wegner.

Wegner emphasized if you start seeing symptoms, get in touch with your doctor even if those symptoms are mild.

“It’s never a bad thing to call and ask them, especially if there’s been a potential exposure that they know of. That they’ve been out camping or hiking and they know they’ve been bitten by mosquitoes,” Wegner said.

On average, 18 cases of WNV are reported among Wisconsin residents every year, according to DHS.

Transmission by mosquitoes can happen any time they are active, but the agency said most people with the virus report getting ill in August or September.

Watch the full interview above.