Logan County Department
Of Public Health urges you to “fight the bite”
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[May 29, 2015]
LINCOLN
- Due to the warm spring, mosquitoes, West Nile Virus (WNV) and
other mosquito-related diseases are likely off to an early start. West
Nile encephalitis is an infection of the brain caused by the WNV which
is transmitted by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes also carry viruses that can
transmit other forms of encephalitis such as Lacrosse and St. Louis.
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During warm-weather months, it pays to be cautious. By following
these steps, you can help prevent the spread of mosquitoes and the
risk of being bitten or infected.
- Avoid the outdoors when mosquitoes are most active,
especially between dusk and dawn.
- When outdoors, wear shoes, socks, long-sleeved pants and a
long-sleeved shirt. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors so
light-colored clothing is preferred.
- Apply insect repellent which includes DEET, picaridin or oil
of lemon eucalyptus and be sure to follow the label
instructions. Contact a physician before using repellents on
infants and always follow the label instructions.
- Eliminate ways for mosquitoes to gain entry into your home.
Be sure that screens that protect doors and windows are
tight-fitting, free of tears and are in good repair.
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- Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support
mosquito breeding such as flower pots, clogged gutters, old
tires, unused wading pools and other receptacles. Bird bath
water should be replaced weekly.
- To report public tire dump sites, abandoned pools, areas of
standing water in roadside ditches, flooded yards or similar
conditions which may produce mosquitoes, you can contact your
local municipality or the Logan County Department of Public
Health (LCDPH).
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 headaches, you should see
your doctor.
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Starting May 21st, the Logan County Department of Public Health will collect
dead birds for laboratory testing to track West Nile Virus activity. If you see
a bird that has been dead less than 24 hours or appears to have died of natural
causes, please contact the health department to see if it qualifies for free
testing.
In addition to collecting birds, the health department will be trapping and
testing mosquito pools for WNV activity during much of the summer. This is made
possible through additional grant funds from Illinois Department of Public
Health. If you have questions regarding prevention of mosquito-related diseases
and would like more information, you can contact the Logan County Department of
Public Health at 217-735-2317.
Information Source: IDPH
[Don Cavi, MS, LEHP, Public Health
Administrator, Logan County Department of Public Health]
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