Christian, Champaign County health officials warn of West Nile Virus as human cases become probable

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Two health departments in Central Illinois are sounding the alarm on West Nile Virus as one confirms a human case of the virus and the other said human cases are now probable.

The Christian County Health Department announced its first human case on Tuesday. The infected individual is in their 60s, Administrator Chad Anderson said, and they tested positive on Aug. 22. They are experiencing mild fatigue.

The CDC says that most people infected with West Nile Virus will not develop symptoms, but about 20% do. Symptoms include a fever, head and body aches, joint pain and fatigue.

“If you have spent time outdoors in an area with a significant amount of mosquitoes and you develop symptoms afterward, you may want to visit your primary care physician for further evaluation,” Anderson advised. “The evaluation may include testing for WNV.”

Meanwhile, in Champaign County, health officials said modeling and testing show West Nile Virus activity is at a high level in local mosquito populations. This means human cases are probable, but none have been confirmed yet.

Both the Christian County Health Department and Champaign-Urbana Public Health District advised reducing mosquito breeding areas by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, pool covers, birdbaths and more containers on a regular basis. People can also avoid mosquito bites by wearing insect repellent and wearing long sleeves, pants and socks when outdoors.

For questions about West Nile Virus or to report dead birds that may have died from the virus, people can call the CCHD at 217-824-4113 or the CUPHD at 217-352-7961.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.