SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Public Health today reported three new counties with West Nile virus positive birds, bringing to 26 the number of counties in the state identified so far this year with the mosquito-borne disease.

The most recent West Nile positive birds were birds collected in Kewanee in Henry County (July 1), in Ottawa in LaSalle County (June 30) and in Macomb in McDonough County (July 2). A total of 78 birds in 26 counties have now been confirmed with West Nile virus since state and local health departments began surveillance on May 1. No human cases of West Nile disease have been reported.

Other positive birds have been reported in the following counties: Adams, Boone, Bureau, Champaign, Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kankakee, Lake, Lee, Macon, Madison, McHenry, McLean, Ogle, Peoria, Rock Island, Stephenson, Vermilion, Whiteside, Will, Winnebago andWoodford counties. In addition, mosquito pools in Champaign, Cook, DuPage, Kane, Macon, McHenry, and Will counties have tested positive for West Nile virus.

In 2003, 75 of the state's 102 counties had a West Nile positive bird, mosquito, horse or human. A total of 54 human cases of West Nile disease, including one fatality, were reported last year in Illinois. In 2002, the state led the nation with 884 human cases and 66 deaths, and West Nile activity was reported in 100 of 102 counties.

Surveillance for West Nile virus includes collecting dead crows and blue jays. Citizens who observe a sick or dying crow or blue jay should contact their local health department, which will determine if the bird is to be picked up for testing.

WNV 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 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

West Nile infections can be mild and include fever, headache and body aches, or can be severe and marked by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, convulsions, muscle weakness, paralysis and, rarely, death. Serious West Nile virus illness is most often present in individuals 50 years of age or older.

Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director, said individuals can reduce their risk of West Nile disease and other mosquito-borne diseases by taking these precautions:

• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn.
• When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent that includes DEET according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on young children.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings.
• Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and any other receptacles.

Additional information about West Nile virus can be found on the Department's Web site at www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm or people can call the Department’s West Nile virus hotline (866-369-9710) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.