Latest news with #SameerVohra
UPI
26-06-2025
- Health
- UPI
First West Nile case of 2025 hits Illinois
Officials reported that Illinois confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus this year. Photo by Adobe Stock/HealthDay News Illinois has confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus this year, health officials say. The person, who lives in southern Illinois, was hospitalized with complications from the mosquito-borne virus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is the earliest West Nile virus case reported in Illinois since 2016. Health officials say it's a sign that mosquito season is off to an early start and that people should take steps to protect themselves, WGN reported. "The fact that we are seeing the first human case of West Nile virus so early in the season serves as a timely reminder - especially for seniors and those with weakened immune systems - to protect yourself from illnesses caused by mosquito bites," Dr. Sameer Vohra, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) said. West Nile virus spreads through the bite of a Culex mosquito - also known as a house mosquito - that has gotten the virus while feeding on an infected bird. Most people who get the virus don't have any symptoms. But some may have fever, nausea, headaches or muscle aches that last from a few days to several weeks. In rare cases, the virus can cause serious health problems like paralysis or meningitis. People over 60 or those with weak immune systems are more likely to get very sick. About 1 in every 150 people infected develops severe symptoms that can affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves. So far in 2025, mosquitoes carrying the virus have been found in 19 counties across Illinois. The first batch of virus-positive mosquitoes this year was discovered in Rockford, Ill., on May 9. In 2024, the state had 69 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus, including 13 deaths - the highest number of deaths since 2018, WGN reported. A county is considered "positive" for the virus if it's found in a mosquito, horse or person living there. Illinois counties reporting the virus this year include: Bureau, Christian, Clinton, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Hancock, Henry, Marshall, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Scott, Stark, Tazewell, Wayne and Winnebago. Last year, West Nile virus was found in 72 of Illinois' 102 counties, WGN said. The Illinois Department of Public Health reminds people to "Fight the Bite" with the "Three R's": REDUCE places where mosquitoes breed. Get rid of standing water in flowerpots, old tires, bird baths and wading pools. Fix torn screens and keep doors and windows closed if possible. REPEL mosquitoes by wearing long sleeves, pants and insect repellent. Use products with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR 3535, para-menthane-diol (PMD) or 2-undecanone. Always follow label directions, and ask your doctor before using repellents on babies. REPORT standing water that doesn't drain for more than a week, such as roadside ditches or flooded yards. Your local health department may be able to treat the area to stop mosquitoes from breeding. More information The Cleveland Clinic has more on West Nile virus. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Chicago Tribune
25-06-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Public health officials confirm state's first human West Nile case of the year
The first human case of West Nile virus in Illinois has been confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The state agency announced Tuesday evening that a southern Illinois resident tested positive for the virus after being hospitalized. This is the earliest in the year that a human case of West Nile has been observed in Illinois since 2016, officials said. While this is the first human case of the year, the West Nile virus had been confirmed in 19 counties so far, with the earliest detection in Rockford on May 9. The IDPH routinely tests batches of mosquitoes for West Nile and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Last year, the virus was found in 72 of Illinois's 102 counties. 'The fact that we are seeing the first human case of West Nile virus so early in the season serves as a timely reminder — especially for seniors and those with weakened immune systems — to protect yourself from illnesses caused by mosquito bites,' IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a statement. Last year, there were 69 cases of West Nile, 13 of which resulted in deaths. The majority of people infected with West Nile do not show symptoms, but for roughly 1 in 5 individuals, it can lead to severe illnesses. The risk is especially high for those older than 60 or with compromised immune systems. The IDPH recommends that Illinois residents reduce their risk of contracting the disease by avoiding mosquito bites. This can be done through using EPA-registered mosquito repellants, especially those containing DEET, and by making sure that open doors and windows have screens. They also recommend dumping stagnant water that's been standing for a week or more, as mosquitoes require standing water to reproduce. If you encounter standing water that you cannot pour out, it can be reported to 311. West Nile virus is largely spread to humans through mosquito bites; it is rarely contagious between humans. It can also be found in birds and horses. West Nile is often transmitted from the house mosquito, a medium-sized mosquito that is typically brown in color. Most mosquito bites occur early in the evening, but can occur any time of day.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
West Nile virus found in Rockford mosquito pool, sparking health concerns
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) reported its first mosquito pool in the state, testing positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). IDPH says the results came in yesterday, May 12. These reports—coming from the city of Rockford in Winnebago County—are also the first time the virus was reported this year. 'The news of the first batch of mosquitos carrying West Nile virus is a reminder for Illinois residents to begin protecting themselves from diseases caused by mosquito and tick bites,' said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Vohra said it's important for individuals to prevent the chances of sustaining mosquito bites, especially those who have a weaker immune system. WNV is transmitted from a Culex mosquito bite, also known as house mosquitoes. Most WNV symptoms include fever, upset stomach, headache and muscle aches. However, there are chances someone may not show any symptoms. One practice Vohra suggested to combat the virus surrounds the three R's: reduce, repel and report. In 2024, the state of Illinois saw 69 human cases in relation to WNV, and about 13 people died from the virus. More information about WNV can be found on the health department's website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
IDPH reports first West Nile positive mosquito pool in 2025
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) — The Illinois Department of Public Health announced its first mosquito pool to test positive for the West Nile virus in the state on Tuesday. The virus is transmitted through mosquito bites, and symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches, which can last from a few days to a few weeks. Most infected with the West Nile virus will not show any symptoms, but severe cases can lead to death. The sample was taken from Rockford on Friday and tested positive on Monday, according to an IDPH news release. 'The news of the first batch of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus is a reminder for Illinois residents to begin protecting themselves from diseases caused by mosquito and tick bites,' said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. Bird tests positive for West Nile virus in Tazewell County In 2024, IDPH reported 69 human cases of the West Nile Virus in Illinois, which led to 13 deaths. Last year, there were 3,108 positive mosquito batches and 54 positive birds. The state health department encourages everyone to practice the three 'R's' to prevent the spread of the virus: REDUCE- make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and windows or refresh each week, all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires, and any other containers. REPEL- when outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a light-colored, long-sleeved shirt, and apply an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR 3535, para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants. REPORT – report locations where you see water sitting stagnant for more than a week such as roadside ditches, flooded yards, and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes. The local health department or city government may be able to add larvicide to the water, which will kill any mosquito larvae. More information on the West Nile Virus is available here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Fight the Bite' of Tick Season
Peoria, Ill. (WMBD) – Tick season is here! The Illinois Department of Public Health wants people to learn how to protect themselves, children and pets from the potential of tickborne illnesses. That's because ticks are, 'among the most efficient carriers of disease,' according to the health department's publication on the subject. Most often that's Lyme disease. It's suggested to check for the arachnids after spending time outdoors and best to remove them within the first 24 hours to reduce the risk of disease transmission. 'Lyme Disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States affecting more than 500,000 people nationally each year,' said IDPH Director Sameer Vohra. As the summer approaches, I encourage our residents to learn to 'Fight the Bite' and protect yourself and your loved ones from tickborne illnesses.' But in any case, 'if you have been in wooded or high grassy areas and are experiencing symptoms – fever, fatigue, headache and a circular rash – see your health care provider immediately,' Vohra said. To help 'Fight the Bite,' the IDPH website includes a tick surveillance map and a place to learn more about tick removal and symptom awareness. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
