West Nile virus reported in Barron County resident; state’s first human case of 2025

WISCONSIN (CIVIC MEDIA) – A Barron County resident has contracted the West Nile virus, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) confirms. It’s the state’s first human case of 2025.

According to a Wisconsin DHS news release, mosquitoes collected from Milwaukee and Lafayette counties have tested positive for the West Nile virus (WNV). The virus cannot spread from one person to another – the only way a person can be infected is if the individual is bit by a mosquito that already carries the illness. While most individuals afflicted with the disease do not have symptoms, it still can be dangerous.

“The first detections of West Nile virus this year are a reminder to take steps to prevent mosquito bites and possible disease. West Nile virus poses a risk to all Wisconsinites, but people who have weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness,” said Paula Tran, State Health Officer and Administrator of the Division of Public Health.

Wisconsin sees an average of 18 human cases of the virus each year. Generally, human cases are reported from June through November, with most reports coming in August and September.

The department maintains that the most effective way to avoid the sickness is limiting an individual’s exposure to mosquitoes and eliminating the bug’s breeding sites. The DHS offers several tips on minimizing risk, such as:

• Apply an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing.
• Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from skin.
• Before heading outdoors, treat clothing with permethrin; do not apply permethrin directly to skin.
• Prevent mosquitoes from breeding around homes by removing stagnant water from items around the property.
• Make sure window and door screens are intact and tightly fitted to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are less than 50 human WNV cases in the U.S. Most cases stem from the southern states. Ohio is the only other Great Lake state to have a confirmed case.

More tips can be found here. Additional information on the virus can be found on the Wisconsin DHS website.