West Nile Virus (WNV) was first discovered in the U.S. in New York in 1999. September 2001 marked the first time the virus was identified in Illinois. In 2002, the first human cases of WNV infection in Lake County were confirmed. Since then, there have been a total of 35 human cases in the county with two confirmed deaths. The Health Department and Community Health Center continues to work with the Illinois Department of Public Health and other agencies to prevent and minimize this infection in humans.
For more information regarding West Nile Virus activity in Lake County in 2009, please click here. For information on 2008 activity, please click here. This information was compiled by the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center. You can also watch the West Nile Virus Quick Clip to learn more about how to can 'fight the bite.'
Contact Us For Questions Regarding:
Mosquitoes and Environmental issues:
Lakes Management Unit
Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM 847.377.8002
After Hours 24/7 Emergency Number: 847.377.8020
Birds and other animals:
Animal Control
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM 847.949.9925
After Hours 24/7 Emergency Number: 847.949.9925
To report sightings of dead birds or blue jays or to report areas of stagnant water call the West Nile Virus hotline: 847.377.8300.
Signs and symptoms and other questions regarding the epidemiology of this disease in humans:
Communicable Disease Program
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM: 847.377.8130
After Hours 24/7 Emergency Number: 847.389.4431
Links to Additional Sites With Information on West Nile Virus
Illinois Department of Public Health
2008 West Nile Virus Surveillance Data
Mosquitoes
DEET Insect Repellents
Q and A About Mosquito Prevention
Q and A About Mosquito Spraying
Centers For Disease Control
Pesticides and Public Health
Background of West Nile Virus
Lake County Forest Preserves Information
Latest Lake County Surveillance Data
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
(Information available in German, Italian, Spanish, French and Portuguese.)
New York City Department of Health
Products and Promotions that have Limited Value for Mosquito Control
University of Illinois Extension
Community Mosquito Management
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
West Nile Virus Information in Spanish
Illinois Department of Public Health
