MURPHYSBORO – The Jackson County Health Department is reporting the first case of West Nile virus in Jackson County.
Routine mosquito testing has identified the first batch of mosquitoes positive for West Nile virus. The mosquitoes were collected Friday near Murphysboro.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito, that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.
One out of five people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience illness, with symptoms such as fever, nausea, headache and body aches within 3 to 14 days of the bite. In rare cases, illness such as encephalitis and meningitis, with lingering complications and even death, are possible.
Individuals can reduce their risk of West Nile illness and other mosquito-borne diseases by practicing the three “R’s” – reduce, repel, report.
You can find out how to do that by going to jchdonline.org or call the Jackson County Health Department at 618-684-3143, ext. 128.
