SPRINGFIELD- Senator Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) wants to bring awareness to “Fight the Bite” during National Mosquito Control Awareness Week next week, June 18-24. There have been reported positive batches of the West Nile virus (WNV) in four counties around the state (Cook, LaSalle, Morgan, and St. Clair County). The West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a Culex species mosquito, also known as a house mosquito, feeding on an infected bird.
So far, no human cases have been reported in Illinois. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. Most people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms, but in rare cases, it can lead to severe conditions or even death. In 2022, there were 34 human cases reported and eight deaths caused by the disease in Illinois. As the Illinois Department of Public Health works to control the virus, Sen. Bennett is encouraging the public “Fight the Bite” by practicing the three “R’s” – reduce, repel, and report.
“With positive cases being reported near our district, I want to help keep our citizens safe and healthy and remind them to be cautious of the virus and practice reducing, repelling, and reporting,” said Senator Bennett.
For more information and ways to fight the virus, please visit The Illinois Department of Public Health.
# # #