Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in McHenry Co.

Submitted by the McHenry County Department of Health 

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reports that mosquitoes collected on August 6 from a mosquito trap in McHenry have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).

This is the first positive test for WNV in McHenry County in 2014. MCDH has tested 147 mosquito batches as of August 14; all other batches tested negative for WNV. Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) indicates that as of August 14, 31 other counties have reported 154 positive mosquito batches, 13 birds but no human cases so far this year. IDPH reported 117 human cases in 2013, including 11 fatal.

Two human cases of WNV were reported in McHenry County in 2013. Ten 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.