A batch of mosquitoes in northern IL is this year’s first detection of West Nile virus in the state.
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The Tazewell County Health Department confirmed the positive test after the mosquitoes were collected earlier this week.
“Take precautions to protect yourself by wearing insect repellent and getting rid of standing water around your home”, said Melissa Goetze, Environmental Health Supervisor. They also say the mosquito carrying the Zika virus is a different species that is rarely found in IL. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. But the virus can cause fever, nausea and headaches.
Hatten says the very old or the very young are most susceptible to contracting West Nile Virus. In rare cases, severe illness including meningitis or encephalitis, or even death, can occur.
“Avoiding mosquito bites is key with either disease”, Bryan said. However, four out of five people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. You should also make sure you stay away from and remove standing water. “By working together with the community, we will continue to reduce the risk of West Nile virus and keep our community safe and healthy”.
Wear shoes, socks, long trousers and long-sleeved t-shirts when spending time outdoors. That’s where mosquitoes can breed. Apply insect repellent that containts DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR 3535 according to label instructions.
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This year, no humans have yet been reported to test positive for West Nile in IL.
