Health dept. reports West Nile death in Logan County

(Originally posted Friday)

[September 14, 2013]  The Logan County Department of Public Health was informed on Friday by the Illinois Department of Public Health of a Logan County death associated with West Nile virus. The individual was a male in his 80s who lived in rural Logan County and had a recent travel history out-of-state.

It is important to know that back on July 17, misquotes trapped in the Mount Pulaski area tested positive for WNV.

"Since we know WNV is in the area, this gentleman's travel history doesn't influence our communication and preparedness message," said Mark Hilliard, administrator of the health department.

This is a reminder that even though the area hasn't had significant rain totals lately, the mosquitoes that carry WNV breed in stagnant water. The recent hot and dry conditions provide ideal breeding environments in the area.

Because of the existing threat, the Logan County Department of Public Health would like to remind everyone that the best way to prevent WNV disease is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to use personal protection.

The Logan County Department of Public Health urges you to practice 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 torn screens 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 you are 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 dead birds to the Logan County Department of Public Health. If a bird has been dead less than 24 hours and appeared to die of natural causes, it may be eligible for testing. In addition, contact the health department or your local municipality to report any stagnant water in roadside ditches, abandoned pools, flooded areas or similar locations that may provide breeding sites for mosquitoes.

The health department appreciates the assistance the public has provided during the 2013 season to help to monitor WNV activity by reporting dead birds and placing raps.

If you have questions regarding WNV, you can contact the Logan County Department of Public Health at 217-735-2317.

[Text from file received from the Logan County Department of Public Health]