After reporting a mosquito batch tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) just one week ago, a second batch of mosquitoes has tested positive – this time in Fox River Grove. Since that time, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has also seen an increase in reported human cases (from 2 to 4), in counties (from 12 to 15) and mosquito batches (from 313 to 335). McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has tested 119 mosquito pools as of August 29; all other pools tested negative for WNV. Last year, McHenry County reported a single human case of WNV.
MCDH will continue to collect and test mosquito pools through the remainder of the season, typically mid-October. The Department of Health will accept a limited number of birds for testing. It is important to remember that the risk of WNV remains until the first hard frost. Residents should continue to use insect repellent when going out of doors in the evening, with long sleeved shirts and long pants for extra protection. Other tips include emptying standing water from containers around the house and making sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.
Illness from West Nile virus is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches but serious illnesses, such as encephalitis and meningitis and death, are possible. Persons 50 and older have the highest risk of severe disease. For more information on WNV, visit www.mcdh.info (Environmental Health) or call 815-334-4585.
MCDH will continue to collect and test mosquito pools through the remainder of the season, typically mid-October. The Department of Health will accept a limited number of birds for testing. It is important to remember that the risk of WNV remains until the first hard frost. Residents should continue to use insect repellent when going out of doors in the evening, with long sleeved shirts and long pants for extra protection. Other tips include emptying standing water from containers around the house and making sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.
Illness from West Nile virus is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches but serious illnesses, such as encephalitis and meningitis and death, are possible. Persons 50 and older have the highest risk of severe disease. For more information on WNV, visit www.mcdh.info (Environmental Health) or call 815-334-4585.
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