West Nile Virus Found In Homer Glen Mosquito Trap

HOMER GLEN, IL — West Nile Virus was detected at a testing site within the Village of Homer Glen, the Village said in a news release.

In addition to Homer Glen, mosquitoes trapped in Crete, Frankfort, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Lockport, Joliet, Mokena, Shorewood and Manhattan have all also tested positive for West Nile Virus this summer, according to the Will County Health Department.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has also announced the first human case of West Nile Virus in Will County. A 74-year-old Naperville man became ill early August, was hospitalized and is now recovering, according to the county health department.

The Village encourages taking precautions to avoid exposure to mosquitoes while outside. Residents should make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens; eliminate or refresh all sources of standing water; wear shoes, socks, long pants and a light-colored long-sleeved shirt while outdoors; apply insect repellant; report locations where you see water sitting stagnant for more than a week such as roadside ditches, flooded yards, and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes.

West Nile Virus usually causes mild, flu-like symptoms, the health department said. Most people do not develop any symptoms, but about 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people who develop symptoms from WNV recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.