August 22, 2007 |
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Franklin, Gallatin and Macon counties – newest counties reporting positive West Nile virus mosquito samplesSPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today three new counties reporting West Nile virus mosquito samples. IDPH collected a positive mosquito sample in Benton in Franklin County on August 14, the Egyptian Health Department collected three West Nile virus positive mosquito samples in Shawneetown in Gallatin on August 16 and the local mosquito abatement district in Macon County collected a positive sample in Decatur on July 30. There are no new reports of human cases of West Nile virus so the total for Illinois for 2007 remains at 11 people. The first human case of West Nile virus for 2007 was reported in DuPage County on June 15. “People need to remain vigilant and take preventive measures against mosquito bites. We still may have another month of hot summer temperatures and possibly more warm weather in the fall so people need to remember to wear insect repellent with DEET when they go outside. We don’t want to scare people, but they need to remember that West Nile virus can cause illness and death in some cases,” said Dr. Whitaker. A total of 17 counties in Illinois have reported mosquito samples, birds or humans positive for West Nile virus so far this year including Cook, DuPage, Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Kane, Lake, Lee, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Ogle, Pike, Saline, Sangamon, St. Clair and Tazewell. Cook, DuPage and Sangamon counties each have also reported positive birds. In 2006, the first positive mosquito sample was reported May 24th in DuPage County and the first human case was reported August 1 in St. Clair County. Last year 77 of the state’s 102 counties were found to have a West Nile positive bird, mosquito, horse or human case. A total of 215 human cases of West Nile disease, including 10 deaths, were reported last year in Illinois. Surveillance for West Nile virus in Illinois began 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 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. 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 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 8:00am to 5:00pm. The Illinois Department of Public Health will send news releases updating West Nile virus activity in the state every Wednesday during the season. Updates throughout the week can be found on the Department Web site. |
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 |