Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Fox River Grove

McHenry County Department of Health are reporting that mosquitoes from a mosquito trap in Fox River Grove have tested positive for West Nile virus.

According to a news release early Thursday, the McHenry County Department of Health one batch of mosquitoes out of 122 tested came back positive for West Nile.

They added Illinois Department of Public Health indicates that as of July 5th, nineteen other counties have reported 64 positive mosquito batches and seventeen positive birds, but no human cases have been reported this year.

One human case of WNV was reported in McHenry County in each of the last two years. they added in the news release, but that six birds have been submitted and tested with negative results.

The Illinois Department of Public Health believes that a hot summer increases mosquito activity and the risk of disease from West Nile virus.

The McHenry County Department of Health will continue to collect and test mosquito batches until mid-October and will accept a limited number of dead birds for testing.

Officials said it is important to remember that the risk of West Nile remains until the first hard frost, and that residents should continue to use insect repellent and wear long sleeved shirts and long pants for extra protection when going outside in the evening,

Other tips include emptying standing water from containers around the house and making sure doors and windows have tightfitting screens.

Illness from West Nile virus is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches, but serious illnesses, such as encephalitis and meningitis and death, are possible.

Persons 50 and older have the highest risk of severe disease.

For more information on West Nile virus, visit mcdh.info or call (815) 334-4585.