Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in McHenry County

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Two batches of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile Virus in Nunda Township and Lake in the Hills, according to a McHenry County Department of Health press release.

The positive tests were the first in McHenry County for 2015. The health department has tested 311 mosquito batches as of Aug. 18. All other batches have tested negative for West Nile Virus. Two birds have also been tested for WNV but received negative results.

In 2014, there was one human case of West Nile Virus reported in McHenry County and 44 total human cases reported in Illinois, four of which were fatal, according to the news release.

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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,” according to the news release.

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.