The Clay County Health Department collected a West Nile positive mosquito sample on July 19th from Louisville, IL, according to media reports.
Confirmation of a West Nile virus positive mosquito sample means that the virus is circulating in the community and there is an increased risk of infection for people. Residents are urged to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. It’s important to remember the three R’s: reducing your exposure to mosquitos, repel them by wearing insect repellant, and report areas where mosquitos typically breed.
WNV is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitos typically pick up the virus by feeding on infected birds. The illness is not spread from person to person, and most people infected with the West Nile virus do not show symptoms. However, some people could experience fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches. Symptoms could last from a few days to a few weeks, and in rare cases, severe illness can occur, including meningitis, encephalitis or death. People over the age of 50 are at heightened risk for severe illness.