Health officials warning Dodge County residents about West Nile virus
JUNEAU- There is a record outbreak of West Nile virus across the country and one of those cases is in Dodge County.
The middle-aged man from Dodge County infected with West Nile virus was hospitalized for a few days then released.
This season, more than 1,100 people have been infected with the virus.
The mild winter and hot summer created a breeding ground for mosquitoes, who pick up the West Nile virus from birds then spread it to humans.
Symptoms of West Nile include: headache, fever, rash and joint aches.
"Frequently it's a lot of the same symptoms you would get with illnesses that are just starting out," said Dodge County Public Health Officer Jody Langfeldt.
Paula Brockner loves to play with her grandchildren in parks, but she's concerned the West Nile virus is so close by.
Langfeldt's best advice: Avoid standing water, and wear bug spray. Advice Paula Brockner is taking to heart this year.
Last year there were three reported cases of West Nile virus in humans in Wisconsin.
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