Public Service Announcement

 Date 5.5.2022 

Contact: Arissa Hunt

Vector-Borne Disease Awareness

As summer approaches and more people are inclined to engage in outdoor activities, tick and mosquito vectors are also becoming more active, increasing the risk of disease transmission to humans. The most commonly reported human vector-borne diseases in Illinois include West Nile Virus and Lyme disease.

West Nile Virus is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected with the West Nile virus when they feed on infected birds and can then transmit the virus to humans and animals while biting to take blood. The West Nile virus is not transmitted from person-to-person. There were 61 cases of West Nile Virus in Illinois in 2021. Most people are infected with West Nile Virus from June through September. To protect yourself, remove standing water to reduce mosquito populations, use mosquito repellent, and wear light-colored clothing that covers your arms and legs.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected blacklegged (deer) tick. In 75 percent of the cases, a red circular rash develops at the site of the bite. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, and aching joints may occur and reoccur for several weeks. Lyme disease can be serious if left untreated. In 2021, there were 526 cases of Lyme disease, a 90.6% increase in the span of 3 years. To protect yourself from ticks, keep lawns mowed and weeds cut, wear long pants with socks tucked in, avoid edges of vegetation which can be tick infested, and do tick checks after spending time outdoors.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit our Kendall County Health Department COVID-19 information page. 

For more information on COVID-19 Vaccine, please visit our Kendall County Health Department COVID-19 Vaccine information page.