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"So far this year there are only three counties reporting West Nile
virus positives in Illinois, compared with 21 counties this time
last year. However, this is the second human West Nile virus case of
2007," said Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, Illinois Department of Public
Health director. "Even though we have not seen widespread mosquito
activity, you still need to protect yourself against mosquito
bites." Positive mosquito samples reported this year were from
DuPage County on May 8, Tazewell County on May 17 and Cook County on
May 24. The first human case for 2007 was reported in DuPage County
on June 15.
In 2006, the first positive mosquito sample was reported May 24
in DuPage County, and the first human case was reported Aug. 1 in
St. Clair County. Last year 77 of the state's 102 counties were
found to have a West Nile-positive bird, mosquito, horse or human
case. A total of 215 human cases of West Nile disease, including 10
deaths, were reported last year in Illinois.
Surveillance for West Nile virus in Illinois began May 1 and
includes laboratory tests on mosquitoes, dead crows, blue jays,
robins and other perching birds as well as the testing of sick
horses and humans with West Nile-like disease symptoms. Citizens who
observe a sick or dying crow, blue jay, robin or other perching bird
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.
Only about two people out of 10 who are bitten by an infected
mosquito will experience any illness. Illness from West Nile 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.
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The best way to prevent West Nile disease or any other
mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around
your home and take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Precautions include:
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Avoid being
outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between
dusk and dawn. Use prevention methods whenever mosquitoes are
present.
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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.
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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.
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Eliminate all
sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding,
including flowerpots, clogged roof gutters, old tires and any
other receptacles. Change water in birdbaths weekly. Properly
maintain wading pools and stock ornamental ponds with fish.
Cover rain barrels with 16-mesh wire screen. 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.
Additional information about West Nile virus can be found at
www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm, or call the West Nile
Virus Hotline at 866-369-9710 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5
p.m.
The Illinois Department of Public Health will distribute news
releases updating West Nile virus activity in the state every
Wednesday during the season. Updates throughout the week are
available
online.
[Text from
Illinois
Department of Public Health news release received from the
Illinois Office of Communication and Information]
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