Three dead birds in Illinois have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) since this year’s statewide mosquito-borne disease surveillance began on May 1. One crow was collected in Rantoul County and positive results were confirmed on May 21. Other positive birds have been reported in DuPage County (May 12) and Adams County (May 20). In addition, two mosquito pools in DuPage County have been confirmed positive for WNV.


No equine or human cases have been confirmed in the 2004 arbovirus season.


In 2003, 75 of the state’s 102 counties had a WNV-positive bird, mosquito, horse, or human. A total of 54 human cases of WNV disease, including one fatality, were reported last year in Illinois. In 2002, the state led the nation with 884 human cases, including 66 deaths, and WNV activity was reported in 100 of 102 counties.


Additional information about WNV can be found on the Illinois Department of Health web site: www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm

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