West Nile Virus Confirmed in Rockford Mosquito Pool, IDPH Says

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) confirmed the first mosquito pool in Winnebago County has tested positive for West Nile Virus.

First Mosquito Batch Tests Positive in Winnebago County

According to the IDPH press release, the specimen was collected on May 9, and it tested positive on May 12.

The news of the first batch of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus is a reminder for Illinois residents to begin protecting themselves from diseases caused by mosquito and tick bites. -IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra

Increased Risk Heading Into Summer

In 2024, West Nile Virus was reported in 72 Illinois counties, with 69 confirmed human cases that resulted in 13 deaths, the most since 2018.

The West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans through house mosquitoes after they've fed on infected birds, and symptoms may include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches, and can last from several days to weeks.

Most people who get infected will show no symptoms, according to the IDPH report, but severe cases can result in meningitis, encephalitis, and death.

IDPH Recommends 'Reduce, Repel, Report'

To battle the spread of the virus, IDPH is urging Illinois residents to follow these tips:

Reduce standing water and repair window screens
Repel mosquitoes using EPA-registered repellents and protective clothing.
Report stagnant water to local health departments for mosquito control

Additional information about the West Nile virus can be found by clicking on the IDPH website.

Plant Some Of These In Your Garden to Keep Mosquitoes Away

As we previously told you, mosquitoes are the most dangerous creatures on earth. If you want to keep them away from you're yard, these plants can help!

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

LOOK: Here Are 30 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs

To prepare yourself for a potential incident, always keep your vet's phone number handy, along with an after-hours clinic you can call in an emergency. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also has a hotline you can call at (888) 426-4435 for advice.

Even with all of these resources, however, the best cure for food poisoning is preventing it in the first place. To give you an idea of what human foods can be dangerous, Stacker has put together a slideshow of 30 common foods to avoid. Take a look to see if there are any that surprise you.

Gallery Credit: Rachel Cavanaugh

Filed Under: Rockford News