​​West Nile Virus Information

West Nile Virus Statistics for Kane County

To report dead birds, contact Kane County Health Department at: 630-444-3040.
Dead birds are picked up Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Contact your local City/Village/Township Administrator to learn more about your local Mosquito Abatement Program.

Most common birds to carry West Nile virus:

Crows

Adult crows are about 17 to 21 inches in length, while juvenile crows are about 10 inches in length, or about the length of a person's forearm. Juvenile crows have brownish-black feathers. Crows are all black, including feathers, beak, legs and feet. The crow's nostrils are covered with bristles.

Blue Jays

Blue jays are 10 inches long and have a black sturdy bill and blue crest. They have a black eyeline and breastband and a greyish-white throat and underparts. The wings are bright blue with black bars and white patches. Blue jays have a long blue tail with black bars and white corners. Their legs are dark.

Links & Resources

Are you prepared? What you need to know about West Nile virus
West Nile Fact Sheet IDPH
West Nile Fact Sheet CDC
West Nile Poster from IDPH - English
West Nile Poster from IDPH - Spanish
Illinois Department of Health Website West Nile Page
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) West Nile Page
El virus del Nilo Occidental:

• Prevención y control
  
• Síntomas y tratamiento​​
  

FAQ

What Is West Nile?
West Nile virus is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) most commonly spread by infected culex mosquitoes. West Nile virus can cause febrile illness, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). West Nile virus transmission has been documented in Europe and the Middle East, Africa, India, parts of Asia, and Australia. It was first detected in North America in 1999, and has since spread across the continental United States and Canada.

How do people get infected with West Nile virus?
Most people get infected with West Nile virus by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals. In a very small number of cases, West Nile virus has been spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from mother to baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.

Who is at risk for infection with West Nile virus?
Anyone living in an area where West Nile virus is present in mosquitoes can get infected. West Nile virus has been detected in all lower 48 states (not in Hawaii or Alaska). Outbreaks have been occurring every summer since 1999. The risk of infection is highest for people who work outside or participate in outdoor activities because of greater exposure to mosquitoes.

Is there a vaccine available to protect people from West Nile virus?
No. Currently there is no West Nile virus vaccine available for people. Many scientists are working on this issue, and there is hope that a vaccine will become available in the future.

How soon do people get sick after getting bitten by an infected mosquito?
The incubation period is usually 2 to 6 days but ranges from 2 to 14 days. This period can be longer in people with certain medical conditions that affect the immune system.

What are the symptoms of West Nile virus disease?

• No symptoms in most people. Most people (70-80%) who become infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms.
• Febrile illness in some people. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
• Severe symptoms in a few people. Less than 1% of people who are infected will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). The symptoms of neurologic illness can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, or paralysis. Recovery from severe disease may take several weeks or months. Some of the neurologic effects may be permanent. About 10 percent of people who develop neurologic infection due to West Nile virus will die.

Who is at risk for serious illness if infected with West Nile virus?
People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease are also at greater risk for serious illness. What should I do if I think a family member might have West Nile virus disease? Consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and diagnosis.

How is West Nile virus disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical signs and symptoms and specialized laboratory tests of blood or spinal fluid. These tests typically detect antibodies that the immune system makes against the viral infection.

What is the treatment for West Nile virus disease?
There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent West Nile virus infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce fever and relieve some symptoms. People with milder symptoms typically recover on their own, although some symptoms may last for several weeks. In more severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.

When do most cases of West Nile virus disease occur?
Most people are infected from June through September.

How can people reduce the chance of getting infected?
The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus disease is to prevent mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection.
• Wear long sleeves and pants from dusk through dawn when many mosquitoes are most active.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors. If you have it, use your air conditioning.
• Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home. Empty standing water from containers such as flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths.