Dane County reports first human West Nile case of season | The Locally Times
Published · The Locally Times
Public Health Madison & Dane County announced the first human West Nile infection of 2026 on September 22.
Public Health Madison & Dane County reported the first human West Nile Virus infection of the season on September 22. As of that posting, four people in Wisconsin this year have had West Nile or are healthy blood donors whose blood tested positive for the virus. About 80% of infected people do not get sick, while those who do usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, rash, and fatigue. Less than 1% of infected people become seriously ill, with symptoms including high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, paralysis, and coma. Older adults and people with compromised immune systems, such as transplant recipients, face an increased risk of severe disease. There is no specific medication for West Nile, but doctors can provide treatment to help reduce symptoms. The mosquitoes that spread the virus are most active during August and September, and activity only dies down after a hard frost or temperatures below 28 degrees for at least four consecutive hours. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommends using insect repellent with 20–30% DEET, 10–20% picaridin, 10–20% IR3535, or 30–40% oil of lemon eucalyptus. It is also helpful to avoid being out at dawn and dusk, which are the most mosquito-heavy times of the day. Residents can also eliminate mosquito breeding sites and wear long, loose-fitting clothing when outdoors.