CHICAGO (CBS) – Two groups of mosquitoes in Illinois tested positive for the West Nile Virus for the first time this year, the Illinois Department of Health announced Friday.
The Northwest Mosquito Abatement District collected its first batch of mosquitoes Tuesday in Hoffman Estates, Cook County. A second batch was found Thursday in Jacksonville, Morgan County.
The department said the batches follow a mild winter and spring, with the findings coming two weeks earlier than last year.
“The report of the first two groups to test positive for West Nile Virus serves as a timely reminder for Illinoisans to start protecting themselves from vector-borne diseases,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra.
The first bird to test positive for the virus was found in Douglas County on April 2.
Labs in Illinois monitor and test for mosquito bites and dead birds, as well as sick horses and people with virus-like symptoms.
Anyone who sees a sick or dead crow, blue jay, robin or other perching bird is advised to contact their local county or city health department.
How is West Nile Virus transmitted?
According to IDPH, the virus is transmitted through the bite of a Culex mosquito, or house mosquito, which has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus
Some common symptoms of the virus include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. The symptoms can last from several days to several weeks.
Most infected people show no symptoms, but in rare cases the virus can lead to serious illness, including meningitis, encephalitis, or even death. People over 60 years of age and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of serious illness.
How to prevent West Nile virus
The best way to prevent the spread of West Nile virus is to practice what the department calls the three “R’s”: reduce, deter and report.
Reduce this by ensuring that screens on doors and windows have properly fitted screens and by repairing or replacing those that do not. Also remove or refresh areas that contain water, including birdbaths, swimming pools, etc.
Resist wearing shoes and socks, long pants and a light-colored long-sleeved shirt, and apply an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors.
And finally, report locations where water has been stagnant for more than a week to local health departments.
According to preliminary data, 119 human cases of West Nile virus and six deaths were reported in Illinois last year.
