July 25, 2005 |
|
KANKAKEE COUNTY REPORTS FIRST POSITIVE BIRD SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Public Health today reported a new county with West Nile virus activity, bringing to 22 the number of counties in the state identified so far this year with the mosquito-borne disease. A bird sample collected on July 13 in Bradley by the Kankakee County Health Department has tested positive for West Nile virus. The total bird samples testing positive for the virus stands at 25 and there has been 212 mosquito samples test positive in 22 counties since health departments began surveillance on May 1. No human cases of West Nile virus disease have been reported. Other positive birds have been reported in the following counties: Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Peoria, Rock Island, St. Clair, Kane, Lee, McHenry, McLean, Washington and Woodford. Positive mosquito samples have been identified in Adams, Champaign, Cook, DuPage, Gallatin, Jackson, Johnson, Kane, Lake, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Rock Island, St. Clair, Whiteside and Will counties. In 2004, 62 of the state’s 102 counties were found to have a West Nile positive bird, mosquito, horse or human case. A total of 60 human cases of West Nile disease, including four fatalities, were reported last year in Illinois. Surveillance for West Nile virus includes laboratory tests on mosquitoes, dead crows and blue jays, and the testing of sick horses and humans with West Nile-like disease symptoms. 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. In 2002, the state led the nation with 884 human cases, including 67 deaths, and West Nile activity was reported in 100 of 102 counties. In 2003, 75 of the state’s 102 counties reported West Nile activity and there were 54 human cases of the mosquito-borne disease, including one fatality. Public health officials believe that a hot summer, like that of 2002, could increase mosquito activity and the risk of disease from West Nile virus. 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 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Only about two persons out of 10 who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience any illness. Illness from West Nile disease 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. Precautions include:
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 West Nile Virus Hotline at 866-369-9710 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Illinois Department
of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments |