These additional cases were
reported Nov. 1:
-
Clinton County man in
his 70s became ill in early October.
-
Cook County man in
his 30s became ill in mid-October.
-
Cook County man in
his 70s became ill in early October.
-
Cook County man in
the 30s became ill in late September.
-
DuPage County woman
in her 20s became ill in early October.
-
Kane County man in
his 60s became ill in early October.
-
St. Clair County
women in her 50s became ill in mid-September.
-
Williamson County
teen became ill in early October.
"The cooler temperatures do not mean that mosquitoes are gone for
the season. Mosquitoes are still present until we experience
consistent freezing temperatures," said Dr. Damon T. Arnold, state
public health director. We're still seeing cases of people with West
Nile and urge everyone to remain cautious and avoid mosquito bites."
Last year, 215 human cases of West Nile virus were reported to
the Illinois Department of Public Health, compared with 93 human
cases so far this year. There have also been four deaths in Illinois
during 2007.
So far this year 46 counties in Illinois have reported mosquito
samples, birds, horses or humans positive for West Nile virus.
Williamson County is reporting its first West Nile virus positive
this year with the human case listed above.
In 2006, the first West Nile-positive mosquito sample was
reported May 24 in DuPage County, and the first human case was
reported Aug. 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 1 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. Testing of
birds ended on Oct. 15; most local agencies have ended mosquito
collections.
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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 people 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. People 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 take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Precautions include:
-
Avoid being
outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between
dusk and dawn. Use prevention methods whenever mosquitoes are
present.
-
When outdoors,
wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and
apply insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin or oil of
lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions. Consult a
physician before using repellents on infants.
-
Make sure doors
and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace
screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and
windows shut, especially at night.
-
Eliminate all
sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding,
including flowerpots, clogged roof gutters, old tires and any
other receptacles. Change water in birdbaths weekly. Properly
maintain wading pools, and stock ornamental ponds with fish.
Cover rain barrels with 16-mesh wire screen.
-
In communities
where there are organized mosquito control programs, contact
your municipal government to report areas of stagnant water in
roadside ditches, flooded yards and similar locations that may
produce mosquitoes.
Additional information about West Nile virus is available at
www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm or by calling the West
Nile Virus Hotline at 866-369-9710 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m.
[Text from
Illinois
Department of Public Health news release received from the
Illinois Office of Communication and Information]
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