West Nile Virus spreads to Illinois

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Wednesday the third case of West Nile virus in Illinois in 2007 has been discovered.

A Madison County man in his 60s, who reportedly traveled within Illinois and other states during his incubation period, has been diagnosed with West Nile neuroinvasive disease.

Neuroinvasive disease is the most severe form of the West Nile virus and affects a person’s nervous system, according to a release from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Cook, DuPage and Tazewell counties have all found mosquitoes that tested positive for the virus. The first human case for 2007 was reported in DuPage County on June 15, the release said.

Last year, 77 of Illinois’ 102 counties had a bird, mosquito, horse or human case of the West Nile virus. In Illinois, 215 people contracted the disease, which led to 10 deaths, the release said.

The West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Most people with the virus have no clinical symptoms of illness, but some may become ill three to 14 days after the bite, the release said

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West Nile Virus invades California

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Residents of Cambrian Park were alerted Thursday of increased West Nile virus activity in their neighborhood, according to the County of Santa Clara Vector Control District.

The district mailed more than 4,400 postcards to residents Thursday, saying that four WNV-positive birds were found in the area within the past two weeks.

The area of concern includes residents within a one-mile radius of where the birds were found.

In addition to offering WNV precautionary tips, the postcards also ask residents to alert the district of any possible mosquito sources in the neighborhood.

“It is very important that the residents in these areas know how to protect themselves and their families,” said District Manager Tim Mulligan. “Even though the virus could be anywhere in the county, all signs are pointing to the fact that this area may have the greatest potential for infected mosquitoes at this time.”

The area includes parts of San Jose in the 95124 ZIP code, as well as a small section of northern Los Gatos.

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