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A total of 32 birds in 18 counties have
now tested positive for West Nile virus since state and local health
departments began surveillance for the mosquito-borne disease on May
1. No human cases of West Nile disease have been reported.
Other positive birds have been reported
in the following counties: Adams; Boone; Champaign, 2; Cook, 3;
DuPage, 2; Kane, 4; Kankakee, 3; Lake; Macon, 2; Madison, 2;
McHenry, 2; McLean, 2; Ogle; Rock Island; Stephenson, 2; Vermilion;
and Winnebago. In addition, mosquito pools in Cook and DuPage
counties have tested positive for West Nile.
In 2003, 75 of the state's 102 counties
had a West Nile-positive bird, mosquito, horse or human. A total of
54 human cases of West Nile disease, including one fatality, were
reported last year in Illinois. In 2002, the state led the nation
with 884 human cases and 66 deaths, and West Nile activity was
reported in 100 of 102 counties.
Surveillance for West Nile virus
includes collecting dead crows and blue jays. Citizens who observe a
sick or dying crow or blue jay should contact their local health
department, which will determine if the bird is to be picked up for
testing.
West Nile virus is transmitted through
the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an
infected bird. Most people with the virus have no clinical symptoms
of illness, but some may become ill three to 14 days after the bite
of an infected mosquito.
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West Nile infections can be mild and
include fever, headache and body aches, or can be severe and marked
by headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, convulsions, muscle
weakness, paralysis and, rarely, death. Serious West Nile virus
illness is most often present in individuals 50 years of age or
older.
Dr. Whitaker said individuals can
reduce their risk of West Nile disease and other mosquito-borne
diseases by taking these precautions:
- Avoid being outdoors when
mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn.
- When outdoors, wear shoes and
socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect
repellent that includes DEET, following the instructions on the
label. Consult a physician before using repellents on young
children.
- Make sure doors and windows have
tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears
or other openings.
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Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito
breeding, including water in birdbaths, ponds, flowerpots, wading
pools, old tires and any other receptacles.
For
additional information about West Nile virus, people can call the
department's West Nile virus toll-free line, (866) 369-9710), Monday
through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or go to
www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm.
[Illinois
Department of Public Health news release]
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