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First West Nile Virus Positive in Illinois for 2014 Reported |
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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed the first West Nile virus positive bird and mosquito batch reported in Illinois for 2014. Henry County Health Department employees collected a positive bird on May 29, 2014 in Colona and Madison County Health Department employees collected a positive mosquito batch on May 30, 2014 in Godfrey. “West Nile virus activity is largely dependent on the weather. Despite our cold winter, mosquitoes are becoming active and infected with West Nile virus as the temperature increase. If we see a hot, dry summer, we could see a lot of West Nile virus activity,” said IDPH Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “We want to remind people not to be complacent. Take precautions to protect yourself by wearing insect repellent and taking other precautions.” The first West Nile virus positive result in 2013 was a mosquito batch collected on May 21, 2013 in Cook County. Last year, 76 counties in Illinois reported a West Nile virus positive mosquito batch, bird and/or human case. For the 2013 season, IDPH reported 117 human cases, including 11 deaths. No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported so far this year. Surveillance for West Nile virus in Illinois includes laboratory tests on mosquito batches, dead crows, blue jays, robins and other perching birds, as well as testing sick horses and humans with West Nile virus-like symptoms. People 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. Common West Nile virus symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. However, four out of five people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. In rare cases, severe illness including meningitis or encephalitis, or even death, can occur. People older than 50 are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile Virus. As temperatures warm up, remember to take some simple precautions to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and protect yourself from being bitten. Precautions include practicing the three “R’s” – reduce, repel and report.
Additional information about West Nile virus can be found by logging onto www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm. IDPH continues to implement its
Five Year Strategy 2014-2018 to maximize IDPH’s effectiveness,
influence and value for promoting wellness, health equity, safety
and improved health outcomes. Strategic plan priorities include
developing and expanding partnerships; improving data utilization;
reducing health disparities; improving regulatory compliance; and
branding, marketing and communicating IDPH’s value. |
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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 |