Owl Tests Positive For West Nile Virus In McHenry County

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — An owl has tested positive for West Nile virus in McHenry County, health officials said last week.

The health department collected samples from the owl in Union on June 27, which tested positive for the virus, according to a health department news release. Meanwhile, all other bird samples collected tested negative for West Nile Virus.

Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile virus when they feed on infected birds. In Illinois, the virus can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Culex species mosquito, health officials said.

Illness from WNV is usually mild and includes symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands. However, severe infections can occur, included headache, high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness, disorientation, paralysis and, in rare cases, death.

Individuals ages 60 years old or older or those with serious underlying health conditions are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms, and there is currently no vaccine available for WNV.

From May through October, health department officials conduct West Nile virus surveillance throughout the county, according to health officials. Mosquito batch collections and testing are performed weekly.

Also, local health officials collect a limited number of birds for testing each mosquito season. Residents who find a dead blue jay, crow or other perching bird are asked to contact the MCDH’s division of environmental health at 815-334-4585.

Bird specimens must be in good condition to be tested, which includes no signs of insects or obvious injury or decay. Residents should avoid handling any dead animal their bare hands, according to a news release.

The MCDH reminds residents to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses.

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. The first and best defense against mosquito-borne illness is to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites on your property by emptying standing water from containers around your home and ensuring doors and windows have tight-fitting screens, according to a news release.

Health officials are also using residents to wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk. Also using repellents with one of the following active ingredients is encouraged:

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

Residents should consult with a doctor before using any repellent on infants.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has compiled a list of EPA-registered repellents, which you can check out here. For more information on WNV, visit www.mcdh.info or call (815) 334-4585.