McHenry County Reports West Nile Virus Mosquito Pool Found in Woodstock

A mosquito trap in Woodstock tested positive for West Nile virus, the McHenry County Department of Health reported Tuesday.

It was the only positive test among 103 mosquito pools tested as of Monday, the health department said. The Illinois Department of Public Health reports 12 counties have reported positive mosquito batches and birds including two human cases of West Nile virus (WNV).

MCDH will continue to collect and test mosquito pools through the remainder of the season, typically mid-October.  The Department of Health will accept a limited number of birds for testing.

It is important to remember that the risk of WNV remains until the first hard frost.

Residents should continue to use insect repellent when going out of doors in the evening, with long sleeved shirts and long pants for extra protection.  Other tips include emptying standing water from containers around the house and making sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screen, according to the health department.

Illness from West Nile virus is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches but serious illnesses, such as encephalitis and meningitis and death, are possible. 

Persons 50 and older have the highest risk of severe disease. 

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

The last positive test for WNV in McHenry County was in 2010.