1 Person Dies Of West Nile Virus In McHenry County

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A person in their 80s, who was diagnosed with West Nile Virus in recent months, has died, health officials said.

The death marks the first West Nile Virus-related death in McHenry County since 2018, according to a news release from the McHenry County Department of Health. The person developed symptoms in August and later died.

There is no vaccine or treatment for West Nile Virus, and mild symptoms can be relieved with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications for pain and fever, according to the news release.

The health department reminds residents to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses, and Culex mosquitoes typically breed in stagnant water with high organic content, often found in artificial containers like rimless tires, abandoned swimming pools, buckets, bird baths and clogged gutters, health officials said.

Health officials say the best way to protect against mosquito-borne illness is to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites on properties by emptying standing water from containers around your home and ensuring doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.

With no vaccine currently available for West Nile Virus it is important to use other measures for protection while enjoying the outdoors. When outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks, especially during dawn and dusk when Culex mosquitoes are most active, according to the news release.

Health officials say EPA-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients should be used:

• DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide)
• Picaridin (KBR 3023)
• IR3535 (a biopesticide)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
• Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone

More information on West Nile Virus can be found on the health department's website or by calling 815-334-4510.