McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has
reported that mosquitoes from a mosquito trap in Fox River Grove have tested
positive for West Nile virus (WNV).
This is the first positive test for WNV in McHenry County since last year. MCDH has tested 122 mosquito batches as of July 11; all other batches tested negative for WNV.
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) indicates that as of July 5th, nineteen other counties have reported 64 positive mosquito batches and seventeen positive birds but no human cases so far this year. One human case of WNV was reported in McHenry County in each of the last two years. Six birds have been submitted and tested with negative results.
IDPH believes that a hot summer increases mosquito activity and the risk of disease from West Nile virus. MCDH will continue to collect and test mosquito batches throughout the remainder of the season (mid-October) and will accept a limited number of dead 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.
This is the first positive test for WNV in McHenry County since last year. MCDH has tested 122 mosquito batches as of July 11; all other batches tested negative for WNV.
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) indicates that as of July 5th, nineteen other counties have reported 64 positive mosquito batches and seventeen positive birds but no human cases so far this year. One human case of WNV was reported in McHenry County in each of the last two years. Six birds have been submitted and tested with negative results.
IDPH believes that a hot summer increases mosquito activity and the risk of disease from West Nile virus. MCDH will continue to collect and test mosquito batches throughout the remainder of the season (mid-October) and will accept a limited number of dead 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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