Post by dive61364 on Sept 5, 2013 18:45:14 GMT -6
Mosquitoes collected in Streator earlier this week tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the La Salle County Health Department.
This is the first documented West Nile virus activity in La Salle County this year.
"This is the time of year we expect to see West Nile virus activity increase, especially with the dry hot weather we have experienced recently,"said Director of Environmental Health Ted Pumo. "It is imperative that people be very conscientious about self-protection whenever they are outside during the evening hours. The best way to protect yourself against illness is to wear insect repellent and to get rid of any stagnant water around your home to reduce the number of mosquitoes."
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common West Nile virus symptoms include:fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. However, four out of five people infected with West Nile will not show any symptoms. In rare cases, severe illness, including meningitis or encephalitis, or even death, can occur. People older than 50 are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.
The health department would like to remind the public to report any dead crows, blue jays, robins, perching birds, or potential mosquito breeding sites to the department at 815-433-3366. More information is available online at www.lasallecounty.org/hd, and www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm.
This is the first documented West Nile virus activity in La Salle County this year.
"This is the time of year we expect to see West Nile virus activity increase, especially with the dry hot weather we have experienced recently,"said Director of Environmental Health Ted Pumo. "It is imperative that people be very conscientious about self-protection whenever they are outside during the evening hours. The best way to protect yourself against illness is to wear insect repellent and to get rid of any stagnant water around your home to reduce the number of mosquitoes."
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common West Nile virus symptoms include:fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. However, four out of five people infected with West Nile will not show any symptoms. In rare cases, severe illness, including meningitis or encephalitis, or even death, can occur. People older than 50 are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.
The health department would like to remind the public to report any dead crows, blue jays, robins, perching birds, or potential mosquito breeding sites to the department at 815-433-3366. More information is available online at www.lasallecounty.org/hd, and www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm.
