Lake County's first human case of West Nile virus this year confirmed in Waukegan Jim NewtonContact ReporterNews-SunPrivacy Policy ...
Don’t let a few cool days fool you â€" mosquito-borne diseases are still an active threat in Lake County.
Lake County health officials announced Friday that the county̢۪s first case of West Nile virus this year has been confirmed, and involves a Waukegan woman in her 60s.
The Lake County Health Department stated in a release that the woman became ill in mid-August. No further information on her condition was available, officials said.
So far this year, 61 pools or batches of mosquitoes and two birds have tested positive for West Nile virus , according to the health department. Since 2002, there have been 66 human cases of West Nile virus in Lake County, as well as two confirmed deaths.
“Take precautions to protect yourself from mosquito bites and West Nile virus,†Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister said in a prepared statement. “Even though the weather is getting cooler, mosquitoes will remain active until the first hard frost.â€
Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms of illness, but some may become ill, usually three to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.
Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle ache. In some people, severe illness including meningitis or encephalitis, or even death, can occur. People older than 50 and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus, officials said.
The health department recommends that county residents take precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes.
Recommendations include draining standing water from items around homes, yards, and businesses. Also, when outdoors, use of an an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, 2-undecanone, or IR3535 is recommended.
Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, and officials said it is especially important to wear repellent and long-sleeved shirts and long pants during these times of day.
For more prevention tips and information on West Nile virus, visit www.FightTheBiteNow.com. Residents can also call the Health Department̢۪s West Nile hotline to report areas of stagnant water, report locations of dead birds, and obtain more information on the signs and symptoms of West Nile virus.
The West Nile hotline number is (847) 377-8300.
jrnewton@tribpub.com
Twitter @jimnewton5
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- Diseases and Illnesses
- West Nile Virus
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