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West Nile Virus Detected In Will County

(STMW) -- A batch of mosquitoes collected in southwest suburban Bolingbrook has yielded Will County's first West Nile virus-positive sample of 2015.

The batch of mosquitoes was collected by Will County Environmental Health employees Wednesday and was confirmed West Nile virus positive Thursday, according to a statement from the Will County Health Department.

The county reported 27 West Nile-positive mosquito batches in 2014, five of which were collected from the Bolingbrook monitoring site, the health department said.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 1,271 positive mosquito tests statewide last year, along with 41 West Nile-positive birds, 44 human cases and four deaths. No human cases were reported in Will County last year.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches, according to the IDPH.

Most people infected will not show any symptoms, but in rare cases patients can be come severely ill or die. Those over 50 and people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness.

To avoid West Nile, residents should limit time outside between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Eliminate sources of standing water, and wear long sleeves, pants and mosquito repellent when outside, health officials recommend.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2015. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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