DuPage reports first bug infected with West Nile
Sun staff July 8, 2011 11:52AM
Updated: October 29, 2011 12:41AM
The DuPage County Health Department announced on Friday that the first positive test for West Nile Virus in 2011 was discovered in a mosquito trap in Lemont. The mosquitoes that tested positive were collected on July 6 and tested July
7.
Public health authorities say the wet and cool spring delayed the development of the mosquitoes that spread the virus, but the recent hotter temperatures are more conducive to its conveyance.
DuPage County residents who want to track West Nile virus in their communities may visit www.dupagehealth.org/wnv-map. The map of county mosquito traps on the site will be updated as more mosquitoes test positive.
No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in the county so far this year.
The Health Department is collecting freshly dead birds (such as crows or blue jays) for WNV testing. The birds must not show any signs of decay or trauma and we must be able to pick them up in time to be shipped to the state laboratory by the close of business on Thursdays. To report a dead bird, call 630-682-7400.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Most people with the virus have no clinical symptoms of illness, but some may become ill three to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.
