 "Although we have been seeing a lot of what we call 'nuisance'
mosquitoes due to the flooding, those mosquitoes typically do not
carry West Nile virus. We are now starting to see culex mosquitoes,
which often do carry disease," said Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, director of
the Illinois Department of Public Health. "Remember, as we head into
the summer months, to protect yourself by wearing insect repellent
and taking other precautions."
The first West Nile virus-positive result in 2012 was a crow
collected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on May 16,
2012. Last year, 55 counties in Illinois reported a West Nile
virus-positive mosquito batch, bird or human case. For the 2012
season, IDPH reported the second-highest number of West Nile virus
human cases in state history, with 290 residents and 12 deaths. This
was second only to the 2002 outbreak in Illinois, in which 884
residents contracted West Nile disease and 67 died. No human cases
of West Nile virus have been reported so far this year.
Surveillance for West Nile virus in Illinois includes laboratory
tests on mosquito batches, dead crows, blue jays, robins and other
perching birds, as well as testing sick horses and humans with
symptoms like West Nile disease. People 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 will 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.
Common West Nile virus symptoms include fever, nausea, headache
and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks.
However, 4 out of 5 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.
-
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 flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and any other
receptacles. Change water in birdbaths weekly.
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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.
-
REPORT -- 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.
Public health officials believe that a hot summer increases
mosquito activity and the risk of disease from West Nile virus.
Additional information about West Nile virus is available on the
Illinois Department of Public Health website at
www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm.
[Text from
Illinois
Department of Public Health file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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