Latest trap from McCullom Lake
McHenry County Department of Health reports another batch of mosquitoes has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), this time in McCullom Lake. Following last week’s initial report, Fox River Grove had a 2nd positive batch.
According to the latest report from Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), 24 other counties have reported 106 positive mosquito batches and 17 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. The risk of WNV remains until the first hard frost.
You can reduce your risk by avoiding being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active (dusk, dawn), use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and wear 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.
McHenry County Department of Health reports another batch of mosquitoes has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), this time in McCullom Lake. Following last week’s initial report, Fox River Grove had a 2nd positive batch.
According to the latest report from Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), 24 other counties have reported 106 positive mosquito batches and 17 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. The risk of WNV remains until the first hard frost.
You can reduce your risk by avoiding being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active (dusk, dawn), use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and wear 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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