 "We are now starting to see West Nile virus in both mosquitoes and
birds, which means it's only a matter of time before we start seeing
West Nile virus in people," said Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, director of
the Illinois Department of Public Health. "Remember to protect
yourself by wearing insect repellent and getting rid of any standing
water around your home."A mosquito sample collected in Cook
County in May was the first West Nile virus-positive result this
year. To date, West Nile virus-positive birds or mosquitoes have
been reported in 17 counties -- Bureau, Clay, Cook, DuPage,
Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Macoupin, Madison, Marion, McHenry,
Monroe, Peoria, Perry, Putnam, Sangamon and St. Clair. (The
website report is to be updated on Wednesday afternoons.) No human
cases of West Nile virus have been reported so far this year.
Last year, 55 counties in Illinois reported a West Nile
virus-positive mosquito batch, bird or human case. Last year the
Department of Public Health 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.
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.
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.
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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 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.
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 can be found on the
Illinois Department of Public Health's 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] |
