Mosquito Infected With West Nile Virus Located In Homer Glen

HOMER GLEN, IL — Will County’s first positive West Nile virus case in a mosquito has been detected on Monday after county health officials said a mosquito collected from a Homer Glen trap last week was found to be infected with the virus.

The Homer Glen trap is one of 14 throughout Will County that are checked routinely for mosquitoes carrying West Nile, health officials said Tuesday. West Nile is transmitted through the bite of a Culex mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an effected bird.

Last year, 26 counties across Illinois reported finding positive mosquito batches and 39 human cases were reported by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Four people died from West Nile across the state and there have been no human cases reported in Illinois this summer. However, health officials said Tuesday that most human cases go unreported.

Common symptoms of West Nile include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. People older than 60 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus, health officials said.

Residents are encouraged to get rid of excess standing pools of water where Culex mosquitoes often breed. Common areas are children’s wading pools, birdbaths, and gutters. In addition, remember to avoid being outside during peak mosquito periods between dusk and dawn. If residents must be outside during these times, they are advised to wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks and shoes; in addition to wearing insect repellent, health officials said.

Residents are also reminded that if a deceased bird is found on your property, please contact the Will County Health Department for possible testing for West Nile. They should call the WCHD West Nile Virus Hotline at 815-740-7631, or e-mail at westnile@willcountyhealth.org, and health will contact residents to determine if the bird can be picked up and submitted for testing. The most common birds to carry WNV are robins, crows, and blue jays.