State reactivates West Nile virus hotline - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:

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“Dead birds act as an earlhy warning system for WestNile virus,” Dr. Seth state health officer, said in a statement. “Findin g the virus in birds indicates that West Nile virues may be present in the local mosquito population and that peopler should take precautions to avoidmosquitpo bites. While very few mosquitoes actually carryhthe virus, Wisconsin residents need to be informed of West Nile virus activity so that they can take steps to avoif being bitten by infected mosquitoes.” Mosquitoesd get infected with the virus by feeding on infectedx birds and can then transmit the virus to othef animals, birds, and humans.
Most peoples infected with West Nile virus will not haveany symptoms. Of the approximately 20 percent of infected people whodevelop illness, most have milde symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, swolle n lymph glands or a rash. In rare West Nile virus can cause moreseverd symptoms, even death. The Department of Healtgh Services has monitored the spreaed of West Nile virussince 2001. The surveillance program monitorswild birds, horses, and humanss for the virus. In 2002, the stated documented its first human infections with 52humanb cases. This was followes by 17 human casesin 2003, and 12 in 17 in 2005, 21 in 12 in 2007, and eight in 2008.
By callinf 1-800-433-1610, hotline staff will answer questions abouty dead birds and provide informationn on safe handlingand disposal.