2008 Year in Review

Sterling Man Diagnosed Positive with West Nile Virus

A Sterling man has been diagnosed positive with West Nile virus, according to Whiteside County Health Department authorities.

“This is why it is so important to protect yourself and your children from mosquito bites,” said Beth Fiorini, Public Health Administrator.

“He had symptoms consistent with West Nile virus. He is better and the public needs to protect themselves,” said Joan Saunders, Whiteside County Health Department infectious disease staff.

The positive West Nile virus in a human is also very early for the area, said Gene Johnston, Whiteside County Health Department’s environment director.

“This early we haven’t had one. This human case came earlier than we have had in the past,” Johnston said.

Late August and September is when West Nile virus typically shows up in Whiteside County, Johnston said.

“We are surprised of having a human case before we have had any signs through surveillance,” Johnston said.

Whiteside County Health Department Environmental staff has had mosquito traps set up in four different county communities since May.

“Although no positive mosquito pools have been found thus far, West Nile is in this area, evidenced from a human case,” Fiorini said.

West Nile Virus is an infection transmitted through mosquito bites. Although it often produces only flu-like symptoms, in a small percent of individuals, it causes high fever, aching joints, headaches and rarely meningitis. West Nile Virus is preventable by reducing the number of mosquitoes and avoiding getting bit.

You can find prevention information on the Whiteside County Health Department West Nile Web page link on . It is important to empty all standing water around the house and protect yourself with insect repellant that includes DEET.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
July 21, 2008