Mosquitos in Huntley test positive for West Nile virus

HUNTLEY — On July 26, the McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) confirmed that a mosquito pool collected from the village had tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). MCDH officials state that this is the first positive test for WNV found within McHenry County for the 2024 season.

It was also reported that earlier this year, the MCDH’s Environmental Health division reported a WNV-positive bird, however, no human cases of WNV have been identified in McHenry County this year.

MCDH added that it will continue its WNV surveillance by collecting and testing mosquito batches through the remainder of the mosquito season, which runs from May through October.

Additionally, residents need to remember that the risk of WNV persists until the first hard frost. Residents are urged to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses when outdoors by wearing protective clothing such as light-colored, long-sleeved shirts, socks, and pants. Individuals are also advised to use EPA-registered insect repellents.

Culex mosquitos, which are the primary carriers of WNV, typically breed in stagnant water with high organic content, often found in artificial containers like rimless tires, abandoned swimming pools, buckets, bird baths, and clogged gutters. The first and best defense against mosquito-borne illnesses, according to MCDH, is to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from containers around homes and ensuring that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.

Human WNV illness typically occurs two to 14 days after the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. Most people exposed to WNV do not develop symptoms due to the belief that past exposure to WNV results in lifelong immunity. However, about 20% of those infected with WNV experience mild febrile (fever) illness with other symptoms including headaches, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, or a rash.

Severe symptoms are rare and include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis. Individuals 60 years of age or older or those with serious underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, cancer, or who have received organ transplants are at greater risk for developing severe symptoms.

There is currently no vaccine or treatment for WNV. Mild symptoms can be relieved with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications for pain and fever. Individuals should seek medical attention if they develop severe symptoms. MCDH strongly recommends residents use other measures for protection while enjoying the outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk hours when Culex mosquitos are most active.

Residents should use EPA-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients, and apply them according to label directions: DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), Picaridin (KBR-3023), IR3535 (a biopesticide), Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), Para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.

Consult with a doctor before using any repellent on infants. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has compiled a list of EPA-registered repellents which can be found at ‘Find the Right Repellent That is Right for You’ on the EPA website.

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