Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued a reminder to the public as mosquito season begins, highlighting the risk of West Nile virus (WNV). The virus has been detected in 13 counties across Illinois. This warning coincides with National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, running from June 16-22.

Although no human cases have been reported in Illinois this year, there were 119 cases last year, an increase from 34 cases in 2022. Six deaths were attributed to the virus in 2023, compared to seven the previous year.

"West Nile Virus can lead to serious illness, especially for our Illinois seniors and people with weakened immune systems," stated IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. He emphasized the importance of community action against mosquito exposure by using insect repellent and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.

A county is considered positive for WNV if a bird, mosquito, horse or human tests positive. This year, there have been positive findings in Champaign, Cook, Douglas, Fulton, Kane, Hancock, LaSalle, Morgan, Washington, Whiteside, Williamson, Winnebago and Woodford counties. Positive mosquito pools and birds were identified as early as mid-May.

Updates on case locations are available on the IDPH West Nile Virus Surveillance page.

The IDPH supports state-wide mosquito control efforts with $2.8 million funding allocated to local health departments for surveillance and control activities such as larvicide application and public education on prevention methods. These departments collect mosquitoes and sick or dead birds for testing.

Monitoring includes lab tests on mosquitoes and birds along with testing horses and humans showing symptoms similar to WNV. Residents are encouraged to report sightings of sick or dead crows or other perching birds for potential testing.

WNV is transmitted via bites from infected mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. Symptoms range from fever and headaches to severe conditions like meningitis or encephalitis; those over 60 or with weakened immune systems are most at risk.

IDPH advises following the three "R's": Reduce exposure by maintaining screens and eliminating standing water; Repel mosquitoes by wearing protective clothing outdoors; Report stagnant water locations for possible larvicide treatment by authorities.

Further information is available on the IDPH website regarding West Nile virus precautions.