West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes reproduce in artificial containers of stagnant water such as flower pots or trays, bird baths, barrels, old tires, clogged roof gutters, boats and abandoned swimming pools.

Hot weather is also conducive to large numbers of these mosquitoes and rapid multiplication of the virus.

What is the Peak Time for West Nile virus?
August and September tend to be the peak season for West Nile virus activity. Mosquitoes that have West Nile virus will be active until the first hard frost of the year.

For more information or to report a potential West Nile virus infection, call Whiteside County Health Department at (815) 626-2230 or (815) 772-7411.

What are considered West Nile virus symptoms?
Most people with West Nile virus have no clinical symptoms of illness, but some may become ill three to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

Symptoms of West Nile virus are generally mild and include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, tiredness, neck and back stiffness, joint pain, swollen glands and a rash. Only about 2 out of 10 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience any illness.

However, serious illness such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) are possible. People older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease. Also, people with weakened immune systems due to HIV/AIDS, cancer or organ transplants are most at risk for the infection.

If you are determined to be at high risk and have symptoms of West Nile encephalitis, your provider will draw a blood sample and send it to a commercial or public health laboratory for confirmation.