MARQUETTE CO. — Lab testing by the Marquette County Health Department has confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in a crow found in Marquette County this Month.

WNV is spread through mosquito bites. Symptoms of WNV occur three to 15 days after becoming infected.  Symptoms include fever, headache, rashes, body aches. In rare cases, WNV may cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, which can be fatal or cause permanent damage. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of WNV should contact their health provider.

Some ways to reduce the risk of being bitten by a mosquito include:

  • Using EPA-registered insect repellant
  • Wearing protective clothing (Hats, long-sleeved shirts, pants)
  • Using mosquito netting
  • Installing window screening
  • Eliminating standing water outside home

For more information, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control’s website.