MADISON (WKOW) — Two Wisconsin people have died from West Nile virus and another person has been hospitalized, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

The first three human cases of WNV in Wisconsin this year were reported in residents of Outagamie, Fond du Lac and Brown counties.

In addition, WNV has also been detected this year in mosquitoes, animals and healthy blood donors whose blood tests were positive for WNV.

“DHS is saddened by the deaths of Wisconsin residents from West Nile virus,” Traci DeSalvo, director of the DHS Office of Communicable Diseases, said in a statement. “Although people with weakened immune systems are most at risk, West Nile virus can affect people of all ages. It is important that all Wisconsin residents take steps to prevent mosquito bites while outdoors.”

WNV is transmitted to humans, birds, and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected with WNV by feeding on infected birds. The virus is not transmitted directly from person to person, animal to animal, or animal to person.

According to DHS, an average of 18 cases of WNV illness are reported among Wisconsin residents each year. WNV transmission can occur any time mosquitoes are active, but most people with WNV report becoming ill in August or September.

The DHS said most people infected with WNV do not experience symptoms. Those who do get sick may experience fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, rash and fatigue. Some people develop severe illness with symptoms such as high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, mental confusion, tremors, paralysis, seizures and coma.

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