Politics & Government

Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Mosquitoes from a trap in Harvard tested positive for the virus.

The McHenry County Department of Health has reported that mosquitoes from a mosquito trap in Harvard have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

This is the first positive test for West Nile Virus in McHenry County since last year. The MCDH has tested 128 mosquito batches as of June 20; all other batches tested negative for West Nile Virus, according to the health department.

Illinois Department of Public Health indicates that as of June 19, two other counties have reported two positive mosquito batches but no human cases so far this year, the MCDH news release stated.

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No human cases of West Nile Virus were reported in McHenry County in 2012.  Two birds have been submitted and tested with negative results.  

State health department officials believe a hot summer increases mosquito activity and the risk of disease from West Nile virus. 

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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 West Nile Virus 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, the MCDH new release states.

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 West Nile Virus, visit www.mcdh.info (Environmental Health) or call 815-334-4585.


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