(Juneau) Dodge County Public Health is urging residents to take proactive steps to control mosquito breeding following rain events. County health officials say mosquitos are not just a nuisance, they are also potential carriers of diseases such as West Nile Virus.
Monday, the state’s health department confirmed West Nile Virus activity in Wisconsin. A blood donor from Washington County screened positive for the disease, and a dead bird from Chippewa County tested positive. The positive blood donor is not considered a human case because they never developed any symptoms of West Nile Virus, which is required to be a probable or confirmed case.
Dodge County Public Health says the best steps to reduce mosquito breeding include eliminating standing water by emptying containers, cleaning out gutters, and maintaining pools and ponds. Other tips include purchasing mosquito dunks – available at local hardware stores – which contain bacteria that specifically target mosquito larvae without harming wildlife.
Fixing leaks and ensuring your property is graded to prevent water from pooling reduces breeding. Also, installing screens on windows and doors prevent the insects from entering your home.
Dodge County Public Health say taking simple, actionable steps can significantly reduce the mosquito population and associated health risks.
Click HERE for more information from the CDC. Click HERE for more information from the Wisconsin Department of Health.
