Crow tests positive for West Nile in La Crosse County

The first confirmed case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in La Crosse County.

A dead crow tested positive for the disease in late August.

“This is here and we need to be vigilante,” county health director Jen Rombalski said.

Being there’s just the one case, it’s hard to determine how prevalent the virus is. There was just one case last year, as well.

Rombalski says it’s not necessarily a sign to panic. She says there are things to protect yourself from the disease, including putting on repellent when you go outside, and getting rid of standing water from your property.

Most report becoming ill with West Nile virus in August and September. Signs of the virus include a headache, fever or rash.

Only about 20 percent who are infected with the virus get sick, though it could be more dangerous to the elderly or people with compromised immune systems.