West Nile Virus Infected Bird Found in Algonquin

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reports a crow collected in Algonquin on September 14th is the first bird testing positive for West Nile virus (WNV) since 2008. Residents should call MCDH to have a bird submitted for testing. McHenry County reported its first human case for West Nile just 3 days earlier on September 14, with its last human case reported in 2007.

The County has seen WNV cases every year since 2001. West Nile is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk for WNV remains until the first frost. Residents can reduce their risk of becoming infected by following these guidelines:

• Wear shoes, socks, long-sleeved shirts & pants when outdoors for long periods of time
• Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active (dawn and dusk).
• Spray clothing with repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. Follow label directions.
• Eliminate all sources of standing water around your home where mosquitoes will breed
• (bird baths, garbage cans, wheelbarrows, clogged gutters, flower pot trays)
• Make sure doors and windows have tight fitting screens to keep mosquitoes outside

For additional information about West Nile virus, visit us on the web at www.mcdh.info or call MCDH’s Environmental Health Division at 815-334-4585.