Latest news with #SameerVohra
Time of India
25-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Mosquitoes test positive for the fatal West Nile virus, health officials advise precautions
Image credits: Getty Images Health officials have been tooting the precautionary horn after a batch of mosquitoes tested positive for the West Nile virus. In late June, the Will County Health Department announced that a batch of mosquitoes in the city of Joliet, around 40 miles southwest of Chicago, tested positive for West Nile virus. As per the Illinois Department of Public Health data, mosquito-borne illness had already been found in 22 of the state's counties. Health officials in Chicago issued a similar warning a few weeks earlier, as a batch of mosquitoes there tested positive for the virus. "With mosquito season underway in Illinois, it is now time for Illinoisans, especially seniors and those with weakened immune systems, to start taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, according to Patch. Why should you be concerned? Image credits: Getty Images West Nile virus is an illness that spreads through mosquito bites. It can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Along with infections, however, it can also be fatal, as it caused 69 human cases in Illinois in 2024 with 13 deaths, as per IDPH. The virus has been in the U.S. since 1999; however, with the increasing temperatures, mosquitoes are not only increasing in numbers, but also in range, being active for longer seasons and moving into higher altitudes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like IQ Worldwide - Test your Intelligence, know your IQ Score Try Now Undo What's being done about the illness? Image credits: Getty Images The IDPH is encouraging people to "fight the bite" to avoid contracting the virus. Eliminating standing water, using screens on windows or doors and keeping them shut, wearing long clothing and using an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent when outdoors, are some suggested precautionary measures. There have also been community efforts to reduce mosquito populations. For instance, officials in one Florida county are using X-rays to kill invasive mosquitoes, and a Manila neighbourhood is paying residents to bring in any mosquitoes they can capture.
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health officials issue warning after batch of mosquitoes test positive for potentially fatal virus: 'Start taking precautions'
Health officials issue warning after batch of mosquitoes test positive for potentially fatal virus: 'Start taking precautions' One Illinois county is sounding the alarm after reporting the discovery of the season's first West Nile-positive mosquitoes. What's happening? In late June, the Will County Health Department announced that a batch of mosquitoes in the city of Joliet, which is around 40 miles southwest of Chicago, tested positive for West Nile virus. Patch reported on the announcement, adding that the mosquito-borne illness had already been found in 22 of the state's counties so far in 2025, per Illinois Department of Public Health data. Health officials in Chicago issued a similar warning a few weeks earlier, as a batch of mosquitoes there had tested positive for the virus. "With mosquito season underway in Illinois, it is now time for Illinoisans, especially seniors and those with weakened immune systems, to start taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, according to Patch. Why is this announcement important? West Nile can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, the virus can also be deadly. Illinois saw 69 human cases in 2024, including 13 deaths, according to the IDPH. While West Nile has been in the U.S. since 1999, a warming planet is driving increases in mosquito-borne illnesses. These bloodsuckers benefit from warmer and wetter conditions, which are helping them expand their ranges, remain active for longer seasons, and move into higher altitudes. For instance, a Massachusetts epidemiologist recently called people to alert after the state discovered its first West Nile-carrying mosquitoes two weeks earlier than last year. And Connecticut officials are warning residents that the type of tiger mosquito that carries chikungunya, Zika, and dengue is expected to spread farther and faster than usual across the state in 2025. What's being done about mosquito-borne illnesses? The IDPH is encouraging people to "fight the bite" to best avoid the potential of contracting West Nile. Recommendations include eliminating standing water, using screens on windows or doors or keeping them shut, wearing long clothing and an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent when outside, and reporting standing water if it has been present for more than a week. Many communities are also looking for ways to reduce mosquito populations in their efforts to protect residents. For instance, officials in one Florida county are using X-rays to kill invasive mosquitoes, and one Manila neighborhood is paying residents to bring in any mosquitoes they can capture. Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
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.
