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For Immediate Release
Date: June 30, 2016
Contact: Leslie Piotrowski
(847) 377-8055
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A
mosquito pool (or batch of mosquitoes) sampled June 23 in Highland Park has
tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquito pool is the first confirmed
indicator of the disease’s presence in Lake County in 2016. In 2015, five human cases of West Nile virus
were reported in Lake County. In addition, 68 pools or batches of mosquitoes
and one bird tested positive for the virus.
“This is the time of year when we begin to see mosquito pools
testing positive for West Nile virus,” said Mark Pfister, the Health
Department’s interim Executive Director. “Now that hot summer weather is
finally here, it is especially important to protect yourself against mosquito
bites by following the four D’s – Drain: regularly empty water from outdoor
containers; Dress: cover skin by wearing long sleeved shirts and pants; Dawn
and Dusk: stay indoors during early evening and morning hours; and Defend: use
insect repellent that contains DEET.”
The Health Department maintains a West Nile virus hotline for county residents
to report areas of stagnant water (which are conducive for mosquito breeding),
or to obtain more information on the signs and symptoms of West Nile
encephalitis. The West Nile hotline number is: (847) 377-8300. Information can
also be found at: www.fightthebitenow.com.
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:
- Whenever possible,
limit outdoor activity at dusk
- 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.
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 the municipalities, townships, and the Lake
County Forest Preserve District in monitoring the mosquitoes that may pose a
public health threat.
It is also important to
remember that other mosquito species carry disease such as Zika Virus, Dengue
and Chikungunya, in areas outside northeast Illinois. People vacationing in
areas with ongoing disease transmission from mosquitoes should protect
themselves from any mosquito bites.
Information about WNV can be found on
the Department’s Website at:
www.fightthebitenow.com.
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