First West Nile Case In Mosquitoes Reported In Kendall County

KENDALL COUNTY, IL — The first reported case of West Nile Virus was found in mosquitoes in Kendall County, officials said. The infected mosquitoes were collected in late June in Plano and Yorkville.

As of Tuesday, no mosquitoes found in Oswego tested positive, officials said. In addition to an ongoing mosquito abatement program, the village has taken various precautions, including spraying Prairie Point Park ahead of the fireworks show Monday.

Oswego officials are encouraging residents to take precautions and provided tips from the Kendall County Health Department. One thing people can do is to get rid of excess standing water around their houses, which is where Culex mosquitoes most often breed. Common areas include wading pools, birdbaths and gutters.

The West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of a Culex mosquito that picks up the virus by feeding on infected birds. Common symptoms in people include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches that can last from a few days to a few weeks.

As of June 24, positive West Nile Virus batches were detected in seven Illinois counties, including neighboring Will County.

So far this year, no human cases have been reported, but last year, 64 human cases and five deaths in Illinois were attributed to the virus.

RELATED: Positive West Nile Virus Batches Detected In 7 Illinois Counties: IDPH