McHenry County Reports First Human Case of West Nile Virus

Submitted by the McHenry County Department of Health 

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus encephalitis of 2014 in a person in their late 70’s from Woodstock.

This individual first became ill in early August and later hospitalized; they are now recovering at home. Last year, McHenry County reported two human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV). As of September 5, the County has recorded nine mosquito batches out of 204 that have tested positive for WNV; 12 birds tested negative. This is the third case of human WNV, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) website. IDPH reported 11 deaths from WNV in 2013.

MCDH continues to urge residents to take precautions as the risk of mosquito-borne WNV lasts until the first hard frost. 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. 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.

The most effective way to prevent against becoming infected with WNV is to follow some basic steps:

• Limit your time outdoors during peak mosquito biting hours which are from dusk to dawn
• When outside (evening and early morning), use repellent and protective clothing such as long-sleeves, long pants and socks.
• Spray clothes with repellent containing DEET for extra protection. Always follow label directions.
• Get rid of standing water around your home where mosquitoes will breed (bird baths, old tires, garbage cans, flower pot trays, wheelbarrows).
• Have tight-fitting screens on both windows and doors; replace screens with tears.