First Human WNV Case Reported in McHenry County

A 35-year-old Woodstock man is McHenry County’s first confirmed human case of West Nile virus, health officials said Friday.

The man was hospitalized but has since been released, according to the McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH).

A single case of human West Nile virus (WNV) was reported last year with the highest number, six, reported in 2006, according to officials.

The Illinois State Health Department has recorded 10 human cases in 2011, including one recent death, as compared to 61 human cases and 4 deaths in 2010. 

Illness from West Nile virus is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches but serious illnesses, such as encephalitis, meningitis and death, are possible.  Illness can occur 3-15 days after an infected mosquito bite.  The disease can affect all ages, but persons 50 and older have the highest risk of severe disease.

Mosquitoes transmit the virus to humans after feeding on a bird infected with WNV.

In McHenry County, six mosquito batches have tested positive for WNV this year, the health department said.

Public health officials continue to urge residents to take precautions as the risk of mosquito-borne WNV lasts until the first hard frost.  The most effective way to prevent against becoming infected with WNV is to follow some basic steps including limiting time outdoors during peak mosquito biting hours and use repellent and protective clothing.