The latest reported cases are:
-
Chicago man in his
20s with West Nile fever
-
Christian County man
in his 90s with neuroinvasive disease
-
DuPage County woman
in her 50s with West Nile fever
-
DuPage County man in
his 60s with neuroinvasive disease
-
Franklin County woman
in her 50s with West Nile fever
-
Henry County man in
his 70s with West Nile fever
-
Madison County female
teen with West Nile fever
Only about two out of 10 people infected by a mosquito bite will
show symptoms. Illness from West Nile disease is usually mild and
includes fever, headache and body aches, but serious illness, such
as encephalitis and meningitis, and death are possible. People older
than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.
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.
To date,
86 counties out of 102 have reported positive test results for
West Nile virus in humans, mosquitoes, birds and horses.
"Temperatures are dropping, but until we see consistent freezing
temps, mosquitoes can survive," said Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state
public health director. "We usually have to see some consistent cold
temperatures before the threat of outdoor mosquitoes is ruled out.
Be cautious of indoor mosquitoes that are able to survive in warm,
insulated areas."
[to top of second column] |
 Individuals can reduce their risk of West Nile illness 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, picaridin or oil of
lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions. Consult a
physician before using repellents on infants.
-
Make sure doors
and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace
screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and
windows shut, especially at night.
-
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.
-
In communities
where there are organized mosquito control programs, contact
your municipal government to report areas of stagnant water in
roadside ditches, flooded yards and similar locations that may
produce mosquitoes.
For additional information about West Nile virus, people can call
the West Nile Virus Hotline, 866-369-9710, Monday through Friday 8
a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit
www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm.
[Illinois
Department of Public Health news release] |
