Owl in McHenry County tests positive for West Nile virus

An owl in Union tested positive for West Nile virus, the McHenry County Department of Health reported Friday.

The owl was collected June 27. All other bird samples in McHenry County tested negative for the virus, according to a news release sent from the health department.

Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile when they feed on infected birds. The virus can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Culex species mosquito in Illinois, according to the release. Symptoms are usually mild, including fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands.

“However, severe infections can occur, characterized by headache, high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness, disorientation, paralysis and, in rare cases, death,” according to the release.

People aged 60 and older and those with serious underlying health conditions are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms, according to the release. The health department encourages anyone with these symptoms to contact their health care provider. There is currently no vaccine for West Nile virus.

The health department conducts West Nile virus surveillance throughout the county from May to October with weekly mosquito batch testing. The department also collects a limited number of birds for testing each mosquito season.

It advises that anyone who finds a dead blue jay, crow or other perching bird should call the Division of Environmental Health at 815-334-4585. Bird specimens must be in good condition to be tested with no signs of insects or obvious injury or decay. Avoid barehanded contact when handling any dead animal, although there is no evidence that West Nile virus infection occurs this way, according to the release.

The agency has not reported any human cases this season.

Culex mosquitoes typically breed in stagnant water with high organic content often found in artificial containers such as rimless tires, abandoned swimming pools, buckets, bird baths and clogged gutters, according to the health department.

“The first and best defense against mosquito-borne illness is to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites on your property by emptying standing water from containers around your home and ensuring doors and windows have tight-fitting screens,” according to the release.

When outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks, especially during dawn and dusk, when Culex mosquitoes are most active. Use insect repellents registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with one of the following active ingredients, and apply them according to label directions:

• DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide)
• Picaridin (KBR 3023)
• IR3535 (a biopesticide)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
• Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone

Consult with a doctor before using any repellent on infants. For a full list of EPA-registered repellents, visit epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you.

For information on West Nile virus, visit mcdh.info or call 815-334-4585.