First Human Case of West Nile Virus Reported in Lake County for 2014
The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center reports that a 48-year-old male resident of Gurnee tested positive for West Nile virus. He was hospitalized and released. This is the county's first West Nile virus human case in 2014. Last year, there were six confirmed human cases in Lake County.
In addition to the human case, eight pools (batches) of mosquitoes and one bird have tested positive for West Nile virus in Lake County thus far this year. The Health Department is continuing to urge people to take precautions against mosquito bites.
"We've only had one case thus far this year, so county residents have done a good job of protecting themselves against this disease," said Tony Beltran, the Health Department's Executive Director. "This is a reminder to continue to wear insect repellent and take other precautions to avoid mosquito bites until the first hard freeze."
Recommendations to prevent mosquito breeding include:
• Discard old tires, buckets, drums or any water holding containers. Poke holes in tires used as bumpers on docks
• Keep roof gutters and downspouts clear of debris
• Keep trash containers covered
• Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store indoors when not in use
• Drain unused swimming pools
• Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water
• Change the water in bird baths and plant urns at least once a week
• Store boats upside down or drain rainwater weekly
Recommendations to prevent mosquito bites include:
• Whenever possible, limit outdoor activity at dusk
• Wear light-colored clothing that minimizes exposed skin and provides some protection from mosquito bites
• Make sure door and window screens fit tightly and that all holes are repaired
• Apply insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535 according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.
To report dead birds, areas of stagnant water (which are conducive for mosquito breeding), or to obtain more information on the signs and symptoms of West Nile encephalitis, call the Health Department's West Nile virus hotline at: (847) 377-8300. Please note that the Health Department is no longer picking up dead birds at this time, but is mapping their locations to help determine areas of high West Nile virus activity. It is recommended that dead birds be disposed of by placing the bird in a plastic bag. Either double bag or tightly secure the bag and place it in your regular garbage.
While most people infected with WNV have no symptoms of illness, some may become ill, usually three to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus may occasionally cause serious complications. In some individuals, particularly the elderly, the virus can cause muscle weakness, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, coma or death. See your healthcare professional if you think you have the symptoms of West Nile infection.
More information about WNV can be found on the Department's website at:
http://health.lakecountyil.gov/Population/Pages/West-Nile-Virus.aspx.