McHenry
County Department of Health (MCDH) reports that mosquito batches
collected on July 31 and August 6 from mosquito traps in Nunda
Township and Lake in the Hills have tested positive for West Nile
virus (WNV). These are the first positive tests for WNV in
McHenry County in 2015. MCDH has tested 311 mosquito batches as
of August 18; all other batches tested negative for WNV. IDPH
reported 44 human cases in 2014, including 4 fatal. One human
case of WNV was reported in McHenry County in 2014. Two birds
collected in McHenry County have been submitted and tested with
negative results.
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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