First Mosquitoes Testing Positive for West Nile Virus in Illinois in 2022 Reported in Roselle, DuPage County

CHICAGO – The Illinois Division of Public Well being (IDPH) has confirmed the primary mosquitoes to check constructive for West Nile virus in Illinois in 2022.  The DuPage County Well being Division collected a constructive mosquito batch on Might 24, from Roselle in DuPage. No human circumstances of West Nile virus have been reported to date this 12 months.

“That is the time of 12 months when West Nile virus make its annual look,” mentioned IDPH Appearing Director Amaal Tokars.  “We remind everybody — and particularly older folks and people with weakened immune methods — to take precautions to guard themselves from mosquitoes and the viruses they carry by sporting insect repellent and eliminating standing water round their residence the place mosquitos breed.” 

Monitoring for West Nile virus in Illinois consists of laboratory checks for mosquito batches, lifeless crows, blue jays, robins and different perching birds, in addition to testing sick horses and people with West Nile virus-like signs.  Individuals who see a sick or dying crow, blue jay, robin or different perching hen ought to contact their native well being division or test their web site for particulars to  decide if the hen will likely be picked up for testing.

West Nile virus is transmitted by means of the chew of a Culex pipiens mosquito, generally known as a home mosquito, that has picked up the virus by feeding on an contaminated hen.  Widespread signs embody fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches.  Signs might final from a number of days to a couple weeks.  Nonetheless, 4 out of 5 folks contaminated with West Nile virus won’t present any signs.  In uncommon circumstances, extreme sickness together with meningitis, encephalitis, and even loss of life, can happen.  Individuals older than 60 and people with weakened immune methods are at larger threat for extreme sickness from West Nile virus.

The primary mosquitoes to check constructive for West Nile virus in Illinois in 2021 have been collected on June 9 in Skokie. Final 12 months, 48 counties in Illinois reported a West Nile virus constructive mosquito batch, hen, horse, and /or human case. IDPH reported 64 human circumstances (though human circumstances are underreported), together with 5 deaths.

IDPH encourages the general public to Battle the Chunk by practising the three “R’s” – cut back, repel, and report: