FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2005

McHenry County Department of Health
2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Annex A
Woodstock IL 60098

CONTACT: Fran Stanwood, Director of Nursing
Debra Quackenbush, Community Information Coordinator

PHONE:          815-334-4510

"McHenry County Reports Human West Nile Case "

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) has confirmed its first case of West Nile fever in a 23 year old female from McHenry County who has since recovered.  The exposure occurred the first part of August, with the onset of symptoms mid-August.  West Nile fever is a less severe form of the virus.  Surrounding counties have also seen an increase in human West Nile cases (Cook - 77, Lake - 2 and Kane - 7).  Additional information about West Nile can be found at Illinois Department of Public Health (http://www.idph.state.il.us) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov).   

The end of summer and early fall is typically the greatest potential for West Nile exposure from mosquitoes, until the first hard frost.  MCDH monitors its mosquito traps several times per week and has seen a recent increase in positive mosquito pools.  Most people exposed to the virus will show no symptoms or mild symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands.  Severe infections are marked by headache, high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, convulsions and muscle weakness.  West Nile virus can be confirmed through a blood sample or through cerebrospinal fluid.  Contact your physician if you experience these symptoms. 

Reduce your risk of becoming infected by following these guidelines:

• Wear shoes, socks, long-sleeved shirts & pants when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active  (dawn and dusk).

• Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active (dawn and dusk).

• Spray clothing with repellents* since mosquitoes may bite through thick clothing.  Wash all treated skin when returning indoors.

• Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin.  Follow label directions. 

• Eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites (stagnant water) such as old tires, bird baths, garbage cans, wheelbarrows, clogged gutters, flower pot trays

• Make sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.

* A wide variety of insect repellent products are available. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of products containing active ingredients which have been registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use as repellents applied to skin and clothing. EPA registration of repellent active ingredients indicates the materials have been reviewed and approved for efficacy and human safety when applied according to the instructions on the label.

Of the active ingredients registered with the EPA, two have demonstrated a higher degree of efficacy in the peer-reviewed, scientific literature *. Products containing these active ingredients typically provide longer-lasting protection than others:

• DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide)

• Picaridin (KBR 3023)

Follow label directions.

Press Releases

• September 11, 2006 - Health Department Offers Vaccine, Tips to Guard Against Flu

• April 10, 2006 - MRC Coordinator to Present at National Conference

• March 24, 2006 - Helping Families Prepare for Emergencies

• January 26, 2006 - Volunteers for Disaster Drill

• November 28, 2005 - MRC and Hurricane Katrina

• September 8, 2005 - West Nile Virus

McHenry County Online ~ MCDH Online

McHenry County Department of Health
2200 N Seminary Ave, Annex A
Woodstock, Illinois 60098

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