LCDPH warns the public about West Nile virus and mosquitoes

The Logan County Public Health Department is asking the public to join them in the fight against mosquitoes. As warmer weather arrives, mosquitoes become more active, increasing the threat of mosquito-related illnesses such as West Nile virus (WNV). West Nile encephalitis is an infection of the brain caused by WNV which is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes.

During the warmer months, the Logan County Public Health Department (LCDPH) reminds everyone to take precautions to eliminate breeding areas around your home and to avoid mosquito bites. Mosquito prevention precautions include: Outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin or oil. lemon eucalyptus according to label directions. Contact a physician before using repellents on infants. Eliminate all sources of standing water that can promote mosquito breeding, including water in birdbaths, ponds, flower pots, wading pools, old tires, and other containers. Contact your local city government or Logan County Public Health Department to report areas of standing water in roadside ditches, flooded backyards, and similar places that can produce mosquitoes.

For those who are bitten by a mosquito, there is no reason to get tested for WNV as illnesses linked 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.

Thanks to a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health, the LCDPH will monitor mosquito activity through October 15. Surveillance includes collecting and submitting dead birds to the Illinois State Laboratory for WNV testing. The Logan County Public Health Department would appreciate the public’s help. For those who observe a bird that has been dead for less than 24 hours that appears to have died of natural causes, please contact the health department to see if it is eligible for testing.