First Sign of West Nile Virus Found in Mosquitos and City Prevention Measures Being Taken
Today, the City of Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is reminding Chicagoans to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites as summer starts.
Each year CDPH leads a comprehensive West Nile Virus (WNV) prevention surveillance program to determine risk levels around the city and reduce the exposure to mosquitoes with West Nile Virus. This year's first two WNV-positive mosquito samples were collected in Clearing and New City.
"It is very important to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding sites on near your home. This includes the using repellents containing DEET, reducing all standing water on your property, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when outside and limiting outdoor, evening activities when mosquitoes are most active," said Dr. Bechara Choucair, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health.
The identification of positive mosquitoes within the City is coming a few weeks earlier than last year and could signal a longer and more intense viral transmission season. In comparison, the first infected mosquitoes in 2011 were collected during the last week of July.
In response, CDPH will increase its mosquito trapping and surveillance in the areas to find sources where mosquitoes may be breeding. If there continues to be a presence of WNV in the next week, the City of Chicago will spray in these areas to rapidly decrease the numbers of infected adult mosquitoes. The City uses a nontoxic chemical that is safe for the environment and people but harsh on mosquitoes.
Positive mosquito samples have also been collected from several of the City's suburbs in recent weeks and two WNV positive birds were found in Chicago this year.
West Nile Virus is a virus that is carried by some birds and mosquitoes contract it when they bite these birds. It is spread to humans when an infected mosquito bites humans. West Nile Virus cannot be spread from person to person like a cold; it is only through a bite from an infected mosquito.
CDPH is offering residents 5 helpful tips to Fight the Bite!
- Apply Bug Spray! Bug spray is recommended for anybody over 2 months old. Make sure the product you choose has DEET, picardidin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, these are the active ingredients that keep those suckers away!
- Mosquitoes love to bite around sun set time, that's when wearing but spay is extra important.
- Don't Stand for Standing Water, pools of water are where mosquitoes lay their eggs, don't give them this opportunity. For Example, large puddles, or abandoned swimming pools or even baby pools can turn into playgrounds for mosquitoes. if you see standing water call 311 to report it.
- Protect you Home and make sure the window screens don't have holes, mosquitoes love to sneak in there.
- If you see a dead bird report it by calling 311. A trained professional will come out and remove the bird and have it tested for West Nile Virus.
For prevention tips and updates on West Nile Virus activity in Chicago, visit www.cityofchicago.org/health. For an expert national perspective on West Nile Virus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the Internet at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.
The City's WLV Surveillance Program
CDPH WNV surveillance program started in May. CDPH reduces the mosquito population by first placing briquettes into 91,657 catch basis in targeted areas in the City where evidence of West Nile Virus has been present in the past. Then, 74 traps are set up around the city to conduct field surveillance. These traps collect mosquitoes and CDPH tests for WNV 2 times a week. Traps are set up at undisclosed locations around the City in areas where evidence of West Nile Virus has been present.
About West Nile Virus in Humans
Human infections occur when people are bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. On average, only about 2 in 10 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will actually become ill. For those who do become ill, West Nile Virus infection can cause a relatively mild illness called West Nile Fever, characterized by fever, muscle aches, rash and headache. More severe West Nile illness is less common, but can include meningitis (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain) and encephalitis (inflammation and swelling of the brain itself). People of all ages are susceptible to West Nile infection, but people over age 50 are at greater risk of developing severe illness.
WNV Symptoms include: Fever, headache, rash and swollen glands. The only way to know is to visit a doctor and have a blood test. If left untreated WNV can cause complications, so it is recommended to air on the side of caution and get checked out by a doctor if you notice any symptoms.
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