"This first human case is a good reminder that we all need to take
precautions," said Illinois Department of Public Health Director
LaMar Hasbrouck. "The mosquitoes that typically carry West Nile
virus, commonly called the house mosquito, are not as noticeable as
the swarms of floodwater mosquitoes we saw in the spring. Even if it
does not look like there are a lot of mosquitoes outdoors, house
mosquitoes are stealthy biters, so make sure to use insect repellent
when you're outside." A mosquito sample collected in Cook County
in May was the first West Nile virus-positive result this year, and
a starling collected in late June in Monroe County was the first
bird that tested positive. To date, West Nile virus-positive birds,
mosquitoes or human cases have been reported in 50 counties.
Last year, 55 counties in Illinois reported a West Nile
virus-positive mosquito batch, bird or human case. For the 2012
season, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported the
second-highest number of West Nile virus human cases in state
history, with 290 residents and 12 deaths.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito
that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common
West Nile virus symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle
aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. However,
four out of five people infected with West Nile virus will not show
any symptoms. In rare cases, severe illness, including meningitis or
encephalitis, or even death, can occur. People older than 50 are at
higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.
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 practicing the three "R's" -- reduce, repel and
report.
exposure -- Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most
active, especially between dusk and dawn.
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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.
-
Eliminate all
sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed,
including water in birdbaths, ponds, flowerpots, wading
pools, old tires and any other receptacles.
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REPEL -- When
outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved
shirt, and apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin,
oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535, according to label
instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on
infants.
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REPORT -- In
communities where there are organized mosquito control programs,
contact your municipal government to report dead birds and areas
of stagnant water in roadside ditches, flooded yards and similar
locations that may produce mosquitoes.
Additional information about West Nile virus is available on the
Illinois Department of Public Health's website at
www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm. Surveillance numbers are
updated every Wednesday afternoon
http://www.idph.state.il.us/
envhealth/wnvsurveillance13.htm.
[Text from
Illinois Department of Public
Health file received from the
Illinois Office of Communication and Information]
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