A dead crow found in Madison last month has been confirmed to have West Nile virus, the Madison Department of Public Health said.
While no humans have been diagnosed with the virus in Wisconsin, birds in the Milwaukee area have already tested positive for the virus.
Health officials said West Nile is transmitted through mosquito bites. Symptoms typically appear within five to 15 days and are characterized by fever, headache and eye pain to confusion, disorientation and muscle weakness in severe cases.
Not everyone who is bitten by an infected mosquito falls ill to the virus.
Citizens who see ill or dying bluejays and crows are advised to report the incident to the Madison public health department.
While the virus cannot be transmitted by touching an infected bird, people are advised to avoid direct contact.
