West Nile Fever Confirmed in Madison 

On Monday, October 14, 2002, Madison Department of Public Health was informed that Madison’s first case of West Nile Fever was confirmed by the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene.  This illness was first reported in September 2002 as a presumptive positive.  West Nile Fever is the mild form of the illness caused by the West Nile virus and the person has since recovered.   

With the colder weather and a drop in mosquito activity, the current risk of West Nile illness is minimal.  However, mosquitoes that have survived the recent drop in temperatures will be seeking the warmer temperatures inside homes and garages.  For this reason, Madison residents should take steps prevent mosquitoes from getting inside by

• Keeping window and door screens in good repair.

• Avoid leaving unscreened doors and windows open.

Questions related to this release can be directed to Dr. Kathryn Vedder at 266-4821.