The McDonough County Health Department has been conducting mosquito surveillance and testing for West Nile virus. A batch of mosquitoes has been confirmed to have tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquitoes that tested positive were collected August 13th, 2024, in Bushnell.
West Nile virus can be transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has the virus from feeding on an infected bird. Most people with the virus have no symptoms of illness, but some may become ill 3 to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Only about two out of ten people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience any illness. Illness from West Nile virus is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches. Persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe central nervous system disease.
The best way to prevent West Nile virus or any other mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, between dusk and dawn. When outdoors, wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Apply inscet repellent that contains DEET, picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using on infants and children. Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and any other receptacles.
Additional information about West Nile virus can be found by logging onto www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm; or by contacting the McDonough County Health Department Environmental Health Division at (309)837-9951 Ext: 2000.