Pulaski County bird, Massac mosquito detected with West Nile virus

The Southern Seven Health Department in Illinois recently confirmed a positive test for West Nile virus in a dead bird, and one new case in mosquitoes. It's the first positive test in a bird, and the fourth for a mosquito in testing done this year by the local agency.

Southern Seven staff said they collected the dead bird in Pulaski County. They submitted it for testing to the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at the University of Illinois, and the positive result was received on Thursday. 

Mosquito traps were placed in all seven counties in May. Early in July, positive tests for West Nile virus were documented in Alexander, Hardin and Johnson counties. Last Wednesday, a fourth positive test was discovered, this time from a trap in Massac County. That initial test was confirmed on Thursday. 

Last year, 119 people contracted West Nile virus in Illinois, and six of them died, the IDPH said.

A suburban Cook County woman was identified as Illinois’ first human case of the West Nile virus this year, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported Wednesday.

The woman, in her 60s, developed symptoms of the mosquito-borne illness in mid-June, officials said. Her test results are pending confirmation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nationally, more than 90 percent of West Nile cases are reported in July, August and September.

The health department reminds you that West Nile virus does not spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching, nor by touching live or dead animals. However, you should avoid bare-handed contact when touching any dead animal. If you are disposing of a dead bird, use gloves or double plastic bags to place the carcass in a garbage can.

Common symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. However, four out of five people infected with WNV will not show any symptoms. In rare cases, severe illness including meningitis, encephalitis, or even death, can occur.

People over the age of 60 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness from the virus. If you have symptoms of West Nile virus, contact your physician immediately. 

There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people.



(AP Photo Andre Penner, file)