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West Nile Virus activity detected
in Logan County
[July 30, 2025]
The Logan County Department of
Public Health (LCDPH) collected a mosquito batch on July 24th which
tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The mosquito batch was
collected in Beason, IL. West Nile encephalitis is an infection of
the brain caused by the WNV which is transmitted through the bite of
an infected mosquito.
LCDPH would like to remind everyone the best way to prevent WNV
disease is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and
to use personal protection. This can be done by practicing the three
“R’s” – reduce, repel, and report.
• Do reduce your exposure by
avoiding being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active from dusk to
dawn. Repair screens with tears or any other outer openings. Keep
windows shut and eliminate areas of standing water around your
property where mosquitoes can breed.
• Do repel mosquitoes from biting
when outdoors by wearing shoes, socks, long pants, and a
long-sleeved shirt (light-colored clothing is preferred). Wear
repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or
IR 3535 and use according to the label instructions.
• Do report pools of standing,
stagnant water. Please contact the health department or your local
municipality to report any stagnant water in roadside ditches,
abandoned pools, flooded yards or similar locations that may provide
breeding sites for mosquitoes.
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If you are bitten
by a mosquito, there is no reason to be tested for WNV since
illnesses related to mosquito bites are rare. However, if you
develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness
or severe headache, you should see your doctor.
Remember to play it safe and to continue to take preventative
measures until mosquito activity fully ceases. If you have
questions regarding WNV, you can contact the Logan County
Department of Public Health at 217-735-2317. For additional
information regarding WNV, you can also refer to the
environmental health section of the health department website at
WWW.LCDPH.ORG.
[LCDPH]
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