McHenry County reports 2nd West Nile Virus case

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reports its second case of human West Nile virus (WNV) in a man from Lake in the Hills. HE first displayed symptoms on September 26 and received treatment in a local emergency room on October 3. He has since developed viral meningitis and been transported to a Chicago hospital. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported 52 cases of WNV and 4 deaths across Illinois in 2015. This year, thirteen mosquito batches and four birds have tested positive for the virus in McHenry County according to IDPH.

Illness from West Nile virus is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches but serious illnesses, such as encephalitis, meningitis and death, are possible. Contact your healthcare provider should you exhibit symptoms. Illness can occur 3-15 days after an infected mosquito bite. The disease can affect all ages, but persons 50 and older have the highest risk of severe disease. Public health officials urge residents to take precautions at the risk of mosquito-borne WNV lasts until the first hard frost.

For more information on WNV, visit www.mcdh.info (Environmental Health) or call 815-334-4585.