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| IDPH Reports First Human West Nile Virus Case |
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed the first human West Nile virus case reported in Illinois for 2009.
The St. Clair County Health Department reported a person in their 50s with onset of illness in late August.
"We've seen cooler temperatures this summer and not as much West Nile virus activity compared to warmer summers. However, this first human case of West Nile virus in Illinois should remind people that the threat is still there. People should protect themselves against mosquitoes by wearing insect repellent and by trying to reduce any standing water around their homes, especially with the upcoming holiday weekend," said Dr. Damon T. Arnold, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.
So far this year, 24 counties have reported mosquito batches or birds testing positive for West Nile virus, including Knox County. The Knox County Health Department reported that two mosquito samples collected in Galesburg on June 12th tested positive.
In 2008, IDPH reported the first positive mosquito samples on May 23rd in DuPage and Tazewell counties. The Department reported the first human case of West Nile virus in 2008 on August 11th. Last year, 28 of the state's 102 counties reported having a West Nile positive bird, mosquito sample, horse or human case. Twenty human cases of West Nile disease, including one death, were reported for 2008.
Surveillance for West Nile virus in Illinois began on May 1st and includes laboratory tests on mosquitoes, dead crows, blue jays, robins and other perching birds as well as the testing of sick horses and humans with West Nile-like disease symptoms. Citizens who observe a sick or dying crow, blue jay, robin or other perching bird should contact their local health department, which will determine if the bird will be picked up for testing.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Most people with the virus have no clinical symptoms of illness, but some may become ill three to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. The first human case in Illinois is not usually reported until July or later.
Only about two people in 10 who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience any illness. Illness from West Nile is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches, but serious illness, such as encephalitis and meningitis, and death are possible.
Persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.
The best way to prevent West Nile disease or any other mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Additional information about West Nile virus can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health's Web site at www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm.
(Illinois Department of Public Health, WGIL News Contributed to this report) |
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