An adolescent in west-central Illinois has the first confirmed case of West Nile virus reported in the state this year, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported in a news release.
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While Zika virus also is primarily transmitted through the bite of a mosquito, the main type of mosquito that carries Zika virus, Aedes aegypti, is different and is rarely found in IL.
According to CPH they are working to investigate the case and help prevent transmission of the disease. “It is especially important for pregnant women with plans to travel to these areas to reconsider their plans or take protective action while there”.
Zika can cause birth defects in the babies of women who are infected which leads to the babies having an abnormally small head.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) yesterday reported the nation’s third imported case of the mosquito-borne Zika virus – an Indonesian man who arrived in Kaohsiung on Wednesday last week to start work. “The real risk of Zika virus to Iowans is when they travel to those areas where there is ongoing transmission”.
Doctor Garvey says the mosquitoes which carry Zika are not native to Iowa and the chance of becoming infected here through a mosquito bite is extremely low. West Nile first appeared in Iowa in 2002. Since surveillance began early this year, seven cases of Zika virus have been confirmed in Iowans.
The Hancock County health commissioner in Findlay said the man had recently traveled to the Caribbean and contracted the virus.
Most people who catch West Nile from a mosquito have no symptoms. “And Iowans need to be taking measures to protect themselves – like wearing insect repellent containing DEET”.
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Peak hours for mosquitos are from dusk until dawn.
