JACKSON COUNTY, Ill. (WJPF) – The Heartland Virus, a rare disease spread by ticks, has been reported in Jackson County.
The Illinois Department of Public Health says an older resident that lives in a rural part of the county recently tested positive. It’s the third case reported in the state since 2018. The first two cases were in Kankakee and Williamson counties.
Symptoms of the Heartland Virus are like those of other tick borne diseases and can include fever, headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, and diarrhea. Most people have reported becoming sick about two weeks after being bit by a tick. There is no treatment, but doctors can treat some of the symptoms. Almost all individuals with Heartland virus have been hospitalized. Most have recovered, but a few have died.
Public health officials advise removing any tick you find on your body as soon as possible with tweezers, as close to the skin as possible and gently, but firmly, pulling it straight out. Wash your hands and the tick bite site with soap and water.
