Sign Of West Nile Virus Spotted

From the community ~

The Village of Lincolnwood received notice from the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District that they have identified the first West Nile Virus positive mosquito pool in Lincolnwood this year. This notification prompts the Village to remind our residents about West Nile virus and precautions that can minimize your exposure to the virus.  It is important to protect yourself by following the three R’s – reduce your exposure to mosquitoes, repel them by wearing insect repellent, and remove areas in your yard where mosquitoes typically breed.

West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Approximately 80 percent of people infected with West Nile Virus never show symptoms, but some may become ill three to 15 days after the bite from an infected mosquito. Illness from West Nile is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches, but serious illness, such as encephalitis, meningitis, and death are possible.

So far this year, there have not been any human cases of West Nile Virus reported in Illinois. Last year, there were 34 reported cases with three confirmed deaths.