The Health Department has re-activated the West Nile virus hotline for county residents to report dead birds, report areas of stagnant water (which are conducive to mosquito breeding), or to obtain more information on the signs and symptoms of West Nile encephalitis.

 

The West Nile virus hotline number is:  (847) 377-8300.
 
The Health Department is urging residents to prevent mosquito breeding and to prevent mosquito bites. While most people infected with WNV have no symptoms of illness, some may become ill, usually three to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

 

The virus may occasionally cause serious complications. In some individuals, particularly the elderly, the virus can cause muscle weakness, stiff neck, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, coma or death. Information about WNV can be found on the Department's Web site at: http://www.lakecountyil.gov/Health/resources/WNV.htm