2023-06-24 20:47:21
The McHenry County Health Department reminds residents to take protective measures to reduce mosquito bites during outdoor activities.
The Culex mosquito, most active at dawn and dusk, is the primary vector of West Nile virus transmission in Illinois.
Most people exposed to West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. About 20% of people may develop mild symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, or rash. Severe symptoms may include high fever, headache, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, muscle weakness, loss of vision, numbness and paralysis .
Severe symptoms can last for several weeks and sometimes lead to hospitalization, permanent neurological effects, or death. People aged 60 or older or who have serious underlying health conditions are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms.
There is no vaccine available against West Nile virus.
Culex mosquitoes typically breed in standing water in man-made containers such as abandoned swimming pools, birdbaths, buckets, clogged gutters, and rimless tires. The first and best defense against mosquito-borne diseases is to eliminate potential breeding sites on your property by emptying or treating swimming pools, emptying and refilling water in birdbaths weekly, eliminating litter and trash and preventing standing water from accumulating in artificial containers.
Outside, wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, socks, and light-colored pants. Limit outdoor activities in the evening and early morning when Culex mosquitoes are most active. Use insect repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and apply insect repellents according to label instructions.
Repellents containing 20% or more DEET (less for children) are effective. Repellents, including lemon eucalyptus oil or picaridin, can be used as an alternative to DEET. Consult a physician before using repellent on infants.
Throughout mosquito season, McHenry County Health Department personnel conduct West Nile Virus surveillance throughout the county. Mosquito batch collections and tests are carried out weekly. To date, there have been no batches of WNV positive mosquitoes and no confirmed human cases in McHenry County. Additionally, the health department is testing a limited number of dead birds for West Nile virus.
Call the Environmental Health Division at 815-334-4585 if you find a dead blue jay, crow, robin or other perching bird. Bird specimens must be in good condition to be tested (no signs of insects or obvious wounds or rot). Avoid contact with bare hands when handling a dead animal, although there is no evidence that WNV infection is transmitted this way.
For more information on mosquitoes and West Nile virus, visit mcdh.info or call 815-334-4585.
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