West Nile Virus detected in Boone County in 2024

BOONE COUNTY, Ill. (WTVO) — The Boone County Health Department announced that mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus have been found in Belvidere.

So far, the health department says, no birds or human cases have been reported.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Four out of five people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will not experience any illness. Those who do get sick commonly experience fever, nausea, headache and body aches within 3 to 14 days of the bite. However, serious illness such as encephalitis and meningitis, with lingering complications and even death, are possible.

“The best way to prevent West Nile encephalitis and other mosquito-borne illnesses is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and neighborhood and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites,” said Amanda Mehl, Public Health Administrator of the Boone County Health Department.

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