McHenry County Department of Health
(MCDH) has reported that mosquitoes from a mosquito trap in Harvard 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 128 mosquito
batches as of June 20; all other batches tested negative for WNV.
Illinois Department of Public Health
(IDPH) indicates that as of June 19, two other counties have reported two
positive mosquito batches but no human cases so far this year. No human
cases of WNV were reported in McHenry County in 2012. Two 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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