Coronavirus Is Not the Only Virus Spreading this Summer
July 28, 2020
While the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, the West Nile virus season is also well underway, which is typical for this time of year.
While there are no West Nile infections in humans in our state, Illinois is one of 10 states nationally to report infections in mosquitoes, birds, sentinel animals or veterinary animals.
View West Nile virus surveillance data in Illinois.
The West Nile virus made its first appearance in the United States in New York in 1999. Since then, the virus spread across the country and was first identified in Illinois in September 2001.This virus is now the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease in the United States.
In this COVID-19 era, it’s still important to remind patients to take precautions against the West Nile virus by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.
For more information, access the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Clinical Information web page.
While the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, the West Nile virus season is also well underway, which is typical for this time of year.
While there are no West Nile infections in humans in our state, Illinois is one of 10 states nationally to report infections in mosquitoes, birds, sentinel animals or veterinary animals.
View West Nile virus surveillance data in Illinois.
The West Nile virus made its first appearance in the United States in New York in 1999. Since then, the virus spread across the country and was first identified in Illinois in September 2001.This virus is now the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease in the United States.
In this COVID-19 era, it’s still important to remind patients to take precautions against the West Nile virus by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.
For more information, access the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Clinical Information web page.