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2009 McLean County WNV Numbers at a Glance
- Tested Birds 6
- Positive Birds 0
- Tested Mosquito pools 51
- Positive Mosquito pools 0
- Positive Human Cases 0
- Human Deaths 0
- Positive Horses and Other Animals 0
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What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause encephalitis, or an inflammation of the brain. Infected culex mosquitoes pass the virus onto birds, and animals and people. West Nile virus was first detected in the United States in New York during the fall of 1999 and in Illinois in 2001. Prior to arrival in the US, the virus had only been found in Africa, Eastern Europe and West Asia. West Nile virus cases occur primarily in midsummer or early fall, although mosquitoes that carry the disease may be present from mid-April through October. During the 2005 mosquito season, McLean County experienced four cases of West Nile virus resulting in two deaths.
West Nile virus encephalitis is transmitted from infected mosquitoes to people, not from person to person or from bird to human. Mosquitoes get the virus by feeding on infected, migratory birds. Mild cases of West Nile virus may cause a slight fever or headache. More severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of a high fever with head and body aches, disorientation, tremors, convulsions and, in the most severe cases, paralysis or death. Symptoms typically occur from three to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.
Individuals at highest risk for serious illness are very young children, adults 50 years of age or older and people with compromised immune systems. Anyone concerned about their risk or experiencing two or more symptoms should contact a physician immediately and inform the doctor of any recent mosquito bites.
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McLean County Surveillance
The McLean County Health Department will monitor virus activity in birds and mosquitoes during the 2010 mosquito season. In May of 2010, the McLean County Health Department will begin collecting dead birds excluding predators like owls, hawks, falcons and eagles. Residents who find a dead bird on their property should:
- Contact the Environmental Health Division at (309) 888-5482 to find out if the department is still accepting birds for testing. The department will only collect and test a limited number of birds. Birds eligible for testing must be dead no longer than 24 hours and must have no obvious signs of trauma. Those submitting birds will receive further instruction upon calling the Environmental Health Division.
- To dispose of a dead bird that the health department cannon accept, adults should use gloves and/or tongs to place the dead bird inside two plastic bags. Then, place the deceased bird into the trash or bury it away from water sources. After handling a dead bird, hand washing with soap and warm water is essential.
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Fight the Bite: Take these Steps to Prevent West Nile virus
Mosquito high risk areas include:
- Anywhere outside from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active
- Standing pools of water that harbor mosquito breeding such as bird baths, ponds, lakes, flowerpots, wading pools and old tires
- Windows or doors with loose fitting screens or with holes or tears in the screens
Reduce risk by taking these precautions:
- Avoid being outdoors between dusk and dawn
- Wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt
- Apply insect repellent that includes DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or picaridin according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on young children.
- Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings
- Eliminate all sources of standing water
- Review the ABCs of WNV: West Nile Virus Home and Garden Maintenance
For more information, contact the McLean County Health Department at 309-888-5450 or visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website at http://www.idph.state.il.us/
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