June 27, 2006 |
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Sangamon County - newest Illinois County testing positive for West Nile virusSPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director, today announced a crow collected in Sangamon county is the first positive test results for West Nile virus in the county, this year. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) was notified by the Sangamon County Health Department as part of its routine surveillance for West Nile virus. The positive crow was collected on June 19 in Springfield. So far this year, West Nile virus in mosquitoes have been found in Cook, DuPage, Jackson, Kankakee, Kane, Knox, Lake and Winnebago counties. Positive samples in birds have been found in DeKalb, DuPage, DeWitt, Ford, Livingston, Macoupin, McHenry, McLean, Lake, LaSalle, Stephenson and Sangamon counties. “This latest bird sample to test positive for West Nile virus is no surprise,” said Dr. Whitaker. “We’re starting to see more West Nile virus infected mosquitoes and birds across Illinois. So far, there has not been a human case reported, but we want to remind people to take precautions to lower their risk of contracting West Nile virus.” 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:
Last year, 57 of the state’s 102 counties were found to have a West Nile positive bird, mosquito, horse or human case. A total of 252 human cases of West Nile disease, including twelve deaths, were reported last year in Illinois. Surveillance for West Nile virus in Illinois began May 1 and includes laboratory tests on mosquitoes, dead crows, blue jays and robins, and the testing of sick horses and humans with West Nile-like disease symptoms. Citizens who observe a sick or dying crow, blue jay or robin should contact their local health department, which will determine if the bird is to 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 14 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 persons out of 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 a highest risk of severe disease. Additional information about West Nile virus can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health website at www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm or by calling the West Nile Virus Hotline at 866-369-9710 Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. |
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 |