West Nile Virus Season Has Come To A Close In Wisconsin MADISON (Nov. 3, 2003) – As temperatures continue to fall, State public health officials announced today that Wisconsin’s 2003 West Nile virus (WNV) bird surveillance season has come to a close. "People in Wisconsin no longer need to report dead birds to their local health departments," said Carl Williams, an epidemiologist with the Wisconsin Division of Public Health. "Surveillance of birds for the West Nile virus may be re-established in spring 2004." Williams said that mosquitoes are less active when the temperatures begin to fall, and the state has experienced a few hard frosts. As a result, the risk of mosquito bites and infection with West Nile virus has declined. As of October 31, 13 Wisconsin counties had reported a total of 15 human infections and no deaths as a result of West Nile virus. In addition, 63 horses in 29 counties tested positive for West Nile virus and one mosquito pool in Milwaukee County tested positive for the virus. "Wisconsin had fewer human cases this year than last year, which is good news," said Williams. "However, people should practice personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites and possible West Nile virus infection this winter if they travel to the warmer regions of the country, and next summer in Wisconsin." The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported 7,718 human cases nationally of West Nile virus as of October 29, 2003. This year the CDC has reported 166 deaths nationwide from the disease. This is the second year that West Nile virus has been diagnosed in Wisconsin residents. In 2002, 52 people became ill with the virus and 3 succumbed to the disease. For more information, visit: http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/dph_bcd/WestNileVirus.