ICYMI: West Nile Found In Manhattan Mosquito Trap

MANHATTAN, IL — The Will County Health Department found a West Nile virus-positive mosquito sample in Manhattan, marking the village's second positive text and Will County's fifth this season.

Other positive samples this year were found in Lockport, Plainfield and Joliet.

West Nile virus is transferred to humans by Culex mosquitos who first bite infected birds.

About 80 percent of humans who are infected with West Nile virus don't experience any symptoms at all, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

One in five, however, experience headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, the CDC says. "Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months."

See more on Patch:

• Plainfield Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile
• Lockport Mosquito Trap Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

About one in 150 humans infected with the virus develop encephalitis or meningitis, which affect the brain and nervous system.

Officials recommend that from dusk to dawn, people wear long sleeves, long pants, shoes and socks. Insect repellent with DEET is recommended, as well as light-colored clothing.

The WCHD (Will County Health Department) Environmental Health Division has 14 traps around the county to track possible West Nile Virus activity among Culex mosquitos.

To better prevent West Nile virus from spreading, authorities recommend removing standing water from properties like gutters, birdbaths, kiddie pools and other places where water stays still.

The health department is also collecting birds to send to the state lab to test for the virus. They ask residents who find intact, recently deceased birds to call the WCHD West Nile Surveillance Hotline at 815-740-7631.

For more information on West Nile virus, visit the CDC website.