A fourth mosquito pool has tested positive for West Nile virus this year in McLean County, according to the McLean County Health Department [MCHD]. The Environmental Health Division said the positive test was confirmed on July 31 in the 61701 ZIP code area.
The test comes after three other tests since July 8, which were taken in the 61705 ZIP code area. MCHD said staff have begun distributing informational doorknob hangers in the neighborhoods affected on how to take preventative measures.
“We regularly trap and test mosquito pools in different areas across the county to track the presence of the virus in McLean County. When disease-carrying mosquitoes become more active, the risk of human exposure and infection also increases,” said Cathy Stone, MCHD senior environmental health practitioner. “There is no vaccine for West Nile virus, so we recommend taking measures to minimize your chances of being bitten by mosquitoes.”
In 2024, Illinois saw 69 confirmed human cases and 13 deaths from West Nile, the highest number since 17 deaths in 2018, according to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health.
MCHD recommends following the Three Rs to help prevent the spread of West Nile.
- Repel mosquitoes by using insect repellent like DEET or oil of lemon, eucalyptus or picaridin and wearing clothing covering skin when mosquitoes are active.
- Reduce the mosquito population by removing areas of standing water where they breed, like old tires or unused planting pots.
- Report locations of standing water of more than a week to MCHD so they can investigate the water and possibly kill any mosquitoes in it.
West Nile virus is a disease which can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. It is common to see an increase in the virus from mid-summer into the fall. Mosquitoes get the disease from infected birds and can pass it onto humans in their feeding process. Four out of five cases cause mild symptoms like a fever or headache, but severe infections can cause an extreme fever, disorientation and possibly death.
MCHD recommends anyone concerned with symptoms seek immediate medical attention and inform them of recent mosquito bites. The highest risk group is young children and adults over 50.
