DIXON – The Lee County Health Department has confirmed that mosquitoes collected in Dixon and the Amboy/Sublette area during the week of July 17th have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The tests confirmed the continued presence of WNV in the Lee County area. The announcement should serve as a reminder to continue using caution the remainder of the summer.
West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of the common house mosquito, Culex Pipiens. Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds.
Illness from West Nile Virus is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches, but serious illness, such as encephalitis and meningitis, and death are possible. Persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.
Taking simple precautions can help you avoid mosquito bites and help to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus.
Reduce the chance of a bite and the number of places for mosquitoes to breed by eliminating shallow containers of standing water and refreshing bird baths daily. Ensure that doors and windows have tight, properly fitting screens. Take extra care during evening and early morning hours when mosquitoes are active, or if possible stay inside.
Repel mosquitoes by wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks and by applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535 according to product instructions. Consult a physician before applying insect repellents on children.
Report areas where stagnant water has been sitting for more than a week, such as ditches or flooded yards.
For additional information regarding West Nile Virus call the health department at (815) 872-5091, the Illinois Department of Public Health West Nile Virus Hotline at 866-369-9710 or go to the Illinois Department of Public Health’s West Nile Virus website: http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm.
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