Above / Be aware of West Nile virus this autumn and every day in the great outdoors.
UPDATE, Sept. 22, 2017 / The DuPage County Health Department announced on Thursday that there are now five human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) that have been reported in the county in 2017. The most recent case is a woman in her 80s from Wheaton.
“The recent warm weather that followed a cool spell may have caused some people to be less cautious. Please protect yourself and your family because the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are still active,” said Karen Ayala, Health Department Executive Director.
West Nile virus season is May through October
Approximately one in five people infected with WNV will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Less than one percent will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues).
People over the age of 50, and those with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and organ transplants are at greater risk for serious illness.
Anyone who experiences symptoms that cause concern should contact their health care provider.
Sept. 2, 2017 Post, DuPage County— The DuPage County Health Department is urging residents to enjoy the Labor Day weekend, but to protect against mosquito bites that could lead to West Nile virus (WNV) infection.
“The health department reminds you to ‘Fight the Bite’ and protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus, an illness spread by mosquitoes,” said Karen Ayala, Health Department Executive Director.
There have been three reported human cases of WNV in DuPage County this year and the Health Department is asking residents to stay active but to protect against mosquitoes, especially when traveling over the Labor Day weekend.
Four Ds of Defense against mosquito bites
The Health Department recommends following the 4 Ds of Defense:
Drain standing water around your home and yard.
Defend by using insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors.
Dress with long sleeves, long pants and closed-toe shoes when outside.
Wear repellant from Dusk to Dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
The Health Department’s Personal Protection Index (PPI) is at Level 3 (high risk) because of the number of mosquito batches testing positive for WNV. Level 3 indicates high numbers of infected mosquitoes in most areas, and multiple human cases of WNV disease in DuPage County. View the PPI at dupagehealth.org.
The PPI provides a real-time snapshot of WNV activity, which ranges from Level 0 (zero) meaning no risk, to Level 3 announcing a high level of risk with multiple human cases of WNV. The PPI is updated every Wednesday at 3PM throughout the WNV season.
The Health Department monitors WNV activity by collecting and testing mosquitoes from traps located throughout the county from May through October, the West Nile virus season.
Story submitted by Don Bolger, Public Information Officer, DuPage County Health Department.
