The West Nile virus has been discovered in Milwaukee County.

The state Division of Public Health confirmed the presence of the West Nile virus Friday in Wisconsin. Their findings are based upon preliminary lab results in at least one crow that was found in Milwaukee County in early August.

A second crow is being retested for the virus.

Paul Biedrzyczi, of the Milwaukee County Public Health Department, said that few people are at risk for contracting the West Nile virus.

The West Nile virus is a flavivirus that causes West Nile encephalitis, an infection of the brain. The virus multiplies in an infected person's blood system and crosses the blood-brain barrier to reach the brain.

"It's a low risk as far as public health impact. Very few people will become infected by the virus if bitten by an infected mosquito. It's transmitted by infected mosquitos, not person to person," Biedrzyczi said.

He said that only a fraction of people bitten by an infected mosquito may develop health symptoms with serious consequences.

Symptoms of West Nile encephalitis include fever, headache, and body aches, occasionally with skin rash and swollen lymph glands. The West Nile virus is commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East.

No human cases of the West Nile virus have been reported or detected in Wisconsin to date, Biedrzyczi said. State and local health agencies are combining resources to increase monitoring for other signs of the West Nile virus in the area.

The virus was first detected in the United States in 1999, since then nine people have died from West Nile encephalitis in the country.

There is no vaccine against West Nile encephalitis.

Previous Stories:

• August 24, 2001: West Nile Virus Moving Toward Wisconsin
• August 24, 2001: West Nile Spreads Across Florida, Michigan
• August 24, 2001: West Nile Spreads To Florida, Michigan
• August 23, 2001: West Nile Virus Confirmed In Michigan
• August 17, 2001: Atlanta Woman Dies Of West Nile Virus
• August 9, 2001: Scientists On Trail Of West Nile-Carrying Mosquitoes
• August 7, 2001: Baltimore Is Epicenter Of West Nile Virus
• August 5, 2001: Second Floridian Treated for West Nile
• August 2, 2001: West Nile Makes Its Way To Ohio
• August 1, 2001: First 2001 Pa. Bird Tests Positive For West Nile
• July 30, 2001: West Nile Victim's Condition Upgraded
• July 27, 2001: CDC Urges More Action To Stop West Nile Virus
• July 27, 2001: CDC Urges More Action To Stop West Nile Virus
• July 27, 2001: Study: Vast Majority Of West Nile Undetected