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Central Illinois Reports its First Human West Nile Virus Positive Case for 2013 |
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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed the first human West Nile virus case reported in central Illinois for 2013. The Tazewell County Health Department reported a man in his 50's became ill earlier this month. "We are seeing high temperatures and dry weather, which are the perfect conditions for creating mosquito breeding grounds," said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. "The mosquitoes that typically carry West Nile virus breed in stagnant water – water left sitting in storm drains or in containers around the outside of your home. So dump out those containers and take other precautions against mosquito bites, like wearing insect repellent." To date, West Nile virus positive birds, mosquitoes and/or human cases have been reported in 52 counties. The first human case this year was reported on Wednesday, August 21st in a McHenry County woman in her 50s. Last year the first human case was reported July 24, 2012. For the 2012 season, IDPH reported the second highest number of West Nile virus human cases in state history with 290 residents and 12 deaths. So far this year, two human cases have been reported and no deaths. 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. 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 to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Precautions include practicing the three “R’s” – reduce, repel and report.
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. Surveillance numbers are updated every Wednesday afternoon http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnvsurveillance13.htm. |
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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 |