This week marks National Mosquito Control Awareness Week and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public of the dangers of West Nile.
The department says they have found 11 positive cases in mosquito pools and 10 positive cases in birds so far this season. The IDPH says the mosquito batches were found two weeks earlier than in a typical year.
"West Nile Virus can lead to serious illness, especially for our Illinois seniors and people with weakened immune systems," IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a press release sent to WVIK. "With the virus appearing earlier this year following a milder winter and spring, I urge everyone to fight the bite in their communities. Please reduce exposure, wear insect repellent while outdoors, and report any standing water around your community where mosquitos can breed."
Last year, the state totaled 119 human cases, which is up from 34 human cases in 2022.
The IDPH is providing a total of $2.8 million to 97 health departments in Illinois for surveillance and control procedures.
Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches and can last from a few days to a few weeks.
Residents can stay up to date on West Nile cases by visiting the IDPH's website.
