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For Immediate Release
April 27, 2016
Contact: Leslie Piotrowski
(847) 377-8055
Carolyn Waller
(847) 377-8099
Warmer
weather means spending more time outdoors. But, it also means that mosquitoes
are becoming active. The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center
is encouraging residents to be vigilant about eliminating sources for
mosquitoes to breed as well as using protection to avoid mosquito bites.
“The first human cases of WNV
infection were reported in Lake County in 2002 and since then there have been
56 human cases and two confirmed deaths,” said Health Department Executive
Director Tony Beltran. “We encourage people to stay active outdoors, but please
remember to wear insect repellent and take other precautions to avoid mosquito
bites.”
Most
people become infected with West Nile virus by the bite of an infected
mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds and then
spread the virus to humans and other animals. In 2015, five human cases of West
Nile virus were reported in Lake County.
“While the Zika virus is in the
news, it is West Nile virus that we need to be concerned about in this area,”
said Beltran. “Fortunately, Aedes aegypti, the primary mosquito that transmits
Zika virus, has not been found in this area.”
Recommendations to prevent mosquito
breeding include:
- Discard
old tires, buckets, drums or any water holding containers; poke holes in
tires used as bumpers on docks
- Keep
roof gutters and downspouts clear of debris
- Keep
trash containers covered
- Empty
plastic wading pools at least once a week and store indoors when not in
use
- Drain
unused swimming pools
- Fill
in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water
- Change
the water in bird baths and plant urns at least once a week
- Store
boats upside down or drain rainwater weekly
Recommendations to prevent mosquito
bites include:
- Wear
light-colored clothing that minimizes exposed skin and provides some
protection from mosquito bites
- Make
sure door and window screens fit tightly and that all holes are repaired
- Apply
insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or
IR 3535 according to label instructions; consult a physician before using
repellents on infants
County residents may report areas
of stagnant water (conducive for mosquito breeding) as well as locations of
dead birds, or learn more about the signs and symptoms of West Nile encephalitis
by calling the West Nile hotline number: (847) 377-8300.
While most people infected with WNV
have no symptoms of illness, some may become ill, usually three to 15 days
after the bite of an infected mosquito. In some individuals, particularly the elderly,
the virus can cause muscle weakness, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis),
stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, coma or
death.
The Health Department conducts a
multi-faceted mosquito surveillance program in Lake County. Beginning in late spring
and continuing into the autumn, a series of traps are set around the county,
including within the Lake County forest preserves. At each site, a pool or
batch of mosquitoes is tested weekly for West Nile virus. Areas of stagnant
water are also investigated throughout the season for the presence of mosquito
larvae, specifically from the Culex mosquito, which is the primary
carrier of West Nile in Illinois. Finally, the locations of dead birds are
monitored to assist in the assessment of potential West Nile virus activity.
The Health Department works closely with municipalities, townships, and the
Lake County Forest Preserve District in monitoring the mosquitoes that may pose
a public health threat.
Information about WNV can be found on the Department’s website at:
www.fightthebitenow.com.
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