This is the first positive test for West Nile in McHenry County since last year. MCDH has tested 128 mosquito batches as of Thursday; all other batches tested negative for WNV. The Illinois Department of Public Health indicates that as of Wednesday, two other counties have reported two positive mosquito batches but no human cases so far this year. No human cases of West Nile were reported in McHenry County in 2012. Two birds have been submitted and tested with negative results.
IDPH believes that a hot summer increases mosquito activity and the risk of disease from West Nile virus. MCDH will continue to collect and test mosquito batches throughout the remainder of the season until mid-October.
