West Nile is nearly beat; don’t let up

We’ve just concluded a summer of too much rain, not enough sun, and too many dead fish in the Rock River.

But thankfully, it was not a summer of West Nile viral encephalitis deaths.

Illinois has yet to record a single West Nile death this year. Only three human cases have been reported.

This is a far cry from 2002, when the virus struck Illinois with a vengeance. The state Department of Public Health reported 884 cases and 67 deaths.

Just as quickly, the worst of the virus spread elsewhere. In 2003, only 54 cases were reported in Illinois, with one death attributed to West Nile.

During the next 4 years, the state averaged about 7 deaths and 155 cases a year. In 2007, West Nile unfortunately claimed the life of a 77-year-old man from Polo.

But last year, only 20 West Nile cases were reported in Illinois, with just one death.

And this year, you can count the number of West Nile cases on one hand and have two fingers left over.

It’s certainly cause for mild celebration, but not total relief.

Just because today is the first day of autumn doesn’t mean Illinoisans can let up on preventive efforts.

Northern Illinois reported its first West Nile case a week ago in Cook County. If the weather stays warm and people keep spending time outside, the danger remains.

The state’s top public health official, Dr. Damon T. Arnold, warns people to continue to apply mosquito repellent and get rid of standing water around their homes and yards.

“As we head into fall, it’s important for people to continue to protect themselves against West Nile virus. Mosquitoes that typically carry [the] virus remain active until the first couple of hard freezes, or nights below 28 degrees,” Arnold said.

Dead birds found in Ogle and Bureau counties have tested positive. To spread the virus, it takes just one mosquito to feed on an infected bird and then bite a nearby man, woman, boy or girl.

Fortunately, people who are infected have only about a 20 percent chance of developing symptoms. People who are 50 and older face the greatest risk.