Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is receiving reports of very high West Nile virus infection rates in mosquitoes. The infection rate in some areas of northeastern Illinois is currently comparable to 2002 infection rates, when Illinois lead the country in human cases of West Nile virus and deaths. This year 2010 marks the highest infection rates in mosquitoes not seen since 2002.
To date, IDPH is reporting 11 human cases of West Nile virus in Illinois, but fortunately, no deaths. So far this year, 28 counties have reported mosquito batches, birds or people testing positive for West Nile virus. The first West Nile virus positive results this year were reported on May 13 and included two birds, one from Carroll County and the other from St. Clair County. The first human case of West Nile virus in Illinois in 2010 was reported August 31 in DuPage County.
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 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. The first human case in Illinois is not usually reported until July or later.
“People need to continue to wear insect repellent when going outside during the evening. The high infection rate of mosquitoes means there is an increased risk for people to contract the disease,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold. “We typically see the end of West Nile virus after the first couple hard frosts. Until then, people should continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites.”
Only about two people in 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.
Additional information about West Nile virus can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Web site at www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm.
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