West Nile virus infection among turkey breeder farm workers--Wisconsin, 2002

In 2002, Wisconsin public health officials were notified of two cases of febrile illness in workers at a commercial turkey breeder farm (farm A) in county A. The Wisconsin Division of Public Health (WDPH) initiated an investigation that found a high prevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) antibody among farm A workers and turkeys. An associated high incidence of febrile illness among farm A workers also was observed. This report summarizes the results of this investigation, which indicate possible nonmosquito transmission among birds and subsequent infection of humans at farm A. Because the mode of transmission in this outbreak is unknown, turkey handlers should take appropriate precautions, including use of DEET--containing mosquito repellents, protective clothing and gloves, respiratory protection, and proper hand hygiene. Suspected occupationally acquired WNV infections should be reported immediately to local and state health departments.