By Elizabeth Putnam
Wausau Daily Herald
Saturday, June 26, 2004

Cool weather and sporadic sunshine don't exactly make one think of putting on bug repellent when going outdoors.

But be forewarned: Wisconsin conservationists say the West Nile virus still is very much a risk in the state, and record rainfall this spring means an unpredictable season of hungry mosquitoes, especially when temperatures begin to rise.

Thirty-two human cases of the mosquito-borne virus already had been reported in Arizona, California, Florida, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota and Wyoming as of June 22, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection. And in Wisconsin, a crow from Sauk County tested positive for West Nile virus in May.

Julie Langenberg, a veterinarian for the state Department of Natural Resources, said she fears Wisconsinites have become less concerned about the virus, which has been in the state since 2001.

Reduce your West Nile Virus risk