West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Fayette County.
Jodi Smith, who is the Director of Environmental Health for the Fayette County Health Department, says that routine testing has identified the first West Nile virus positive patch of mosquitoes in Fayette County for this year. Smith says the mosquito sample was collected in rural Ramsey near the Wren Bridge on Tuesday.
West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes that have picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Four out of 5 people who are infected will not experience any illness. But, those who do get sick commonly experience fever, nausea, headache, and body aches within 3 to 14 days. And, serious illness such as encephalitis and meningitis, with lingering complications and even death, are possible. In 2021, there were 64 human cases of West Nile Virus in Illinois. No human cases have been reported so far this year.
Because West Nile virus activity in Culex mosquitoes increases during hot weather, personal protection against mosquitoes is particularly important during this time of the year. Individuals can reduce their risk of West Nile illness and other mosquito-borne diseases by practicing the three “R’s” – reduce, repel, report.
REDUCE exposure – avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn. Keep doors and windows closed. Eliminate sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, including wading pools, old tires, and other receptacles. Change bird bath water weekly.
Repel – when outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Apply EPA-registered insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535 according to label instructions.
Report – in communities where there are organized mosquito control programs, contact your municipal government to report areas of stagnant water in roadside ditches and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes. Smith especially encourages Fayette County residents to call the health department to report sick or deceased crows, blue jays, robins or other perching birds. Officials will determine if the bird should be submitted to a lab for West Nile virus testing.
Additional information about West Nile virus can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Web site at http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/west-nile-virus/surveillance or people can call the West Nile Virus Hotline at 866-369-9710 Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
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