Community Corner

Illinois West Nile Virus Cases More Than Quadruple Since 2011

The Illinois Department of Public health reports 179 people in Illinois have tested positive, compared to 34 in 2011. Despite cooler temperatures, the numbers aren't expected to decline.

Despite cooler fall temperatures, West Nile Virus numbers aren't expected to drop in the near future. 

That's because there are still infected mosquitos in the air, and if bitten, people could become ill in two-to-three weeks, said Sean McDermott, spokesman for the Cook County Department of Public Health. 

It takes three to 15 days for West Nile to start showing symptoms in a victim, said Amy Poore, director of public relations for Cook County Health Department. 

Find out what's happening in Buffalo Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Poore said testing is a process, so there is a substantial timeline in the reporting of positive cases. People who are suspected to be infected must first pass the Centers for Disease Control case definition, and then laboratory confirmed testing at the Illinois Department of Public Health

"We've definitely seen our peak for the season, but testing continues. There has been a major decline in [West Nile Virus] exposed mosquitos, but with days at 70 degrees outside this fall, people still must be vigilant," Poore said.  

Find out what's happening in Buffalo Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Northern Illinois counties where positive test results for West Nile Virus have been found include Cook, Lake, DuPage, Will, Kane, McHenry, Winnebego, Dekalb and Kankakee.

Five counties in central and southern Illinois, Peoria, McLean, Macoupin, Bond and Crafword, also have been identified as positive human test areas by the state health department


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here