San Bernardino County confirms 2 human West Nile cases

A mosquito collection from Minooka has tested positive for West Nile Virus – the first detection of the virus in Grundy County this year, according to a news release from the Grundy County Health Department.

Pennsylvania saw 13 human cases of West Nile virus in 2014, with one fatality, to New Jersey’s eight cases and zero fatalities, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Wilmette and Kenilworth have joined the ranks of North Shore towns where West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes have shown up in traps, according to officials at the North Shore Mosquito Abatement district.

County officials declined to say what part of the county the two victims were from, citing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, which protects patient privacy.

No cases of humans contracting West Nile virus have been reported this year, DPH said.

West Nile, which originated in Africa, appeared in the United States in 1999 and arrived in Iowa in 2001. Most people who are infected with the virus suffer no symptoms, but about 20 percent become seriously ill. Persons at the highest risk for serious illness are those 50 years of age or older.

Last year, six state residents contracted West Nile virus, but none died, state officials said.

Remember to continue to remove standing water at least weekly from your property.

Get rid of ALL standing water. “While all “4Ds” are important, stopping mosquitoes where they breed is especially crucial”, said Dr. Christopher Perkins, DCHHS medical director/health authority.

Repellant use, preferably one that contains DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, is advised.

Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing to avoid mosquito bites when outside. Also, change the water in bird baths every three or four days and aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.