Illinois' first case of West Nile virus has been reported in a human.
A woman in her 50's from DuPage County was found to have side effects from West Nile virus (WNV) in early August. Symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, and on occasion, skin rashes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Severe West Nile disease, which develops in about one in 150 people who have West Nile is life threatening. Symptoms of the severe West Nile disease, which is also called neuroinvasive disease, West Nile encephalitis, meningitis or West Nile poliomyelitis include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis, says the CDC.
Serious cases of West Nile can occur in any age group but is more likely in those over the age of 50, or those with weaker immune systems, says the CDC.
Nationwide, 144 human cases of WNV have been reported, and three of those cases have resulted in deaths.
Twenty-five counties in Illinois have been found to house the WNV in birds and mosquitos. WNV is caused when a mosquito feeds on an infected bird, and then either bites another bird or animal or human, and affects them. The most common way of transporting the virus is through mosquitos, says the Maryland Infectious Disease and Environmental Health Administration.
"The virus is located in the mosquito's salivary glands. During blood feeding, the virus is then injected into the animal or human, where it then multiplies and may cause illness."
WNV cannot be transported from person to person, and there is no vaccine for this virus. In the case that someone experiences symptoms of this disease, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
In order to avoid contact with mosquitos and lessen your chance of the virus it is important to rid your place of stay from standing water which is often the nesting ground for mosquitos.
One can also use bug spray high in DEET, 20 to 3 percent, on skin and on clothes. Spraying bug spray on clothes is important because they can bit through thin clothing. Wear long sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors. Try to avoid the outdoors during dawn and dusk.
Gallatin County in Illinois is the closest county near us which has been tested positive for WNV in mosquitos.
According to the Associated Press, Cook County workers are taking the extra step and actually spraying to kill mosquitoes. If your county is not doing this, it is wise to do it on your own, to ensure the activity of mosquitoes near you and your loved ones is lost.
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Illinois' first case of West Nile virus has been reported in a human.
A woman in her 50's from DuPage County was found to have side effects from West Nile virus (WNV) in early August. Symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, and on occasion, skin rashes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Severe West Nile disease, which develops in about one in 150 people who have West Nile is life threatening. Symptoms of the severe West Nile disease, which is also called neuroinvasive disease, West Nile encephalitis, meningitis or West Nile poliomyelitis include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis, says the CDC.
Serious cases of West Nile can occur in any age group but is more likely in those over the age of 50, or those with weaker immune systems, says the CDC.
Nationwide, 144 human cases of WNV have been reported, and three of those cases have resulted in deaths.
Twenty-five counties in Illinois have been found to house the WNV in birds and mosquitos. WNV is caused when a mosquito feeds on an infected bird, and then either bites another bird or animal or human, and affects them. The most common way of transporting the virus is through mosquitos, says the Maryland Infectious Disease and Environmental Health Administration.
"The virus is located in the mosquito's salivary glands. During blood feeding, the virus is then injected into the animal or human, where it then multiplies and may cause illness."
WNV cannot be transported from person to person, and there is no vaccine for this virus. In the case that someone experiences symptoms of this disease, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
In order to avoid contact with mosquitos and lessen your chance of the virus it is important to rid your place of stay from standing water which is often the nesting ground for mosquitos.
One can also use bug spray high in DEET, 20 to 3 percent, on skin and on clothes. Spraying bug spray on clothes is important because they can bit through thin clothing. Wear long sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors. Try to avoid the outdoors during dawn and dusk.
Gallatin County in Illinois is the closest county near us which has been tested positive for WNV in mosquitos.
According to the Associated Press, Cook County workers are taking the extra step and actually spraying to kill mosquitoes. If your county is not doing this, it is wise to do it on your own, to ensure the activity of mosquitoes near you and your loved ones is lost.
