More West Nile Virus Cases

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reports four more human cases of West Nile virus (WNV). Not since 2007 has the County seen this many cases of human West Nile virus.  Individuals affected range in age from 61-70 from the communities of Lake in the Hills, Woodstock and Cary.  Three of the residents were hospitalized, with two having the more serious illnesses of encephalitis and meningitis, but all have since returned home.

Earlier, MCDH reported a 56 year old from Cary who was not hospitalized and has since recovered.  A single case of human WNV was reported in each of the last two years in McHenry County during the months of August, September and October.  The State Health Department has recorded 185 human cases in 2012, including 7 deaths, as compared to 34 human cases and 3 deaths in 2011.

Illness from West Nile virus is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches but serious illnesses, such as encephalitis, meningitis and death, are possible. 

Contact your healthcare provider should you exhibit these symptoms.  Illness can occur 3-15 days after an infected mosquito bite.  The disease can affect all ages, but 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.