First Case of West Nile Virus Reported in County

A 35-year-old Woodstock man was hospitalized after being diagnosed with first case of West Nile virus in 2011 in McHenry County, according to the McHenry County Department of Health. 

The man has since been released from the hospital, according to the MCDH press release.  

One previous West Nile Virus case was reported in 2010, five cases were reported in 2007, six in 2006 and three in 2005 during the months of August, September and October. 

The state health department has reported 10 cases in 2011, including one death compared to 61 human cases and four deaths in 2010. 

So far this year, six "mosquito patches have tested positive" for West Nile Virus in the county. 

Symptoms From West Nile Virus

Symptoms are typically mild and include fever, headache and body aches. Serious illnesses, such as encephalitis, meningitis and death is possible, according to the MCDH press release. 

The symptoms and illness can take affect three to 15 days after an infected mosquito bites the individual and can affect all ages, and anyone over the age of 50 years old is at the highest risk for severe illness, according to the press release. 

Tips For Avoiding West Nile

The MCDH provides the following tips to most effectively prevent West Nile infection:

• Limit your time outdoors during peak mosquito biting hours which are from dusk to dawn. 
• When outside (evening and early morning), use repellent and protective clothing such as long-sleeves, long pants and socks.
• Spray clothes with repellent containing DEET for extra protection.  Always follow label directions.
• Get rid of standing water around your home where mosquitoes will breed (bird baths, old tires, garbage cans, flower pot trays, wheelbarrows).
• Have tight-fitting screens on both windows and doors; replace screens with tears.