RHINELANDER - Recent drought conditions have kept mosquito populations down across Wisconsin.But a dead bird in the southern part of the state leads to the first report of the West Nile Virus this year.
The Oneida County Health Department says the infected bird found in Dane County is an early indication of the virus among mosquitoes.
Health Department Director Linda Conlon says sick birds can look and act a little unusual. "They walk around and somebody may be watching the bird, and it may look dizzy, kind of walking in circles, not flying away when people approach it. That's when we usually get a report from the public."
Conlon says it's not uncommon to get reported symptoms of the virus here in the Northwoods. But the chances of getting sick with the West Nile virus are low and some people won't even show symptoms. Make sure to report any suspicious bird activity to the Health Department.
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