Community Corner

Mosquito Trap Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

Illinois Department of Public Health indicates that 12 other counties have reported positive mosquito batches and birds, including two human cases of the virus.

McHenry County Department of Health has reported a mosquito trap in Woodstock has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).

The last positive test for WNV in McHenry County was in 2010.  MCDH has tested 103 mosquito pools as of August 22; all other pools tested negative for WNV.

Illinois Department of Public Health indicates that 12 other counties have reported positive mosquito batches and birds including 2 human cases of WNV.  Last year, there were no human cases reported in McHenry County.

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MCDH will continue to collect and test mosquito pools through the remainder of the season, typically mid-October.  The Department of Health will accept a limited number of 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.

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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.

-Submitted by the McHenry County Department of Health


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