West Nile Virus Activity Detected in
Logan County
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[July 26, 2023]
The
Logan County Department of Public Health (LCDPH) collected a mosquito
batch on July 18th which tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The
mosquito batch was collected in rural Beason.
West Nile encephalitis is an infection of the brain caused by the WNV
which is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Since it
is early in the year, WNV activity in the state is starting to ramp up
and numbers are expected to increase as summer progresses. Regardless of
the time of season, WNV will always remain a threat.
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.
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• Do report dead birds to the Logan County Department
of Public Health. If the bird is dead less than 24 hours and has
appeared to die of natural causes, it may be eligible for testing.
Bird specimens will be accepted for testing until October 15th. In
addition, 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.
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.
Information Source: Illinois Department of Public Health
[Don Cavi, MS, LEHP
Public Health Administrator
Logan County Department of Public Health] |