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Thursday, March 28, 2024

DuPage Health Department Reminds Residents to ‘Fight the Bite’ 

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Four cases of West Nile Virus, a mosquito-borne illness, have been reported in DuPage County. Follow the “Four Ds of Defense,” listed under subhead.

DUPAGE COUNTY— The DuPage County Health Department announced on Fri., Sept. 25,  that there are now four human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in DuPage County reported this year, since earlier this month, ranging in age from 40s to 70s. All four individuals have experienced severe symptoms and their conditions have been classified as neuroinvasive disease (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis).

“The COVID-19 pandemic is on the forefront of most people’s minds right now; however, we must remember to protect our health from other illnesses as well,” said Karen Ayala, Health Department Executive Director. “As we spend more time outdoors, we need to protect ourselves from mosquito-borne illnesses by wearing insect repellent and draining standing water around our homes.”

Fight the Bite with Four Ds of Defense

The Health Department is reminding residents to “Fight the Bite” and protect themselves against mosquitoes by following the Four 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) remains 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 https://www.dupagehealth.org/243/Personal-Protection-Index.

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.

Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms

While most people infected with WNV do not develop any symptoms, 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 60 years, and those with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and organ transplants are at greater risk for serious illness and rarely may progress to coma and death.

Anyone who experiences symptoms should contact their health care provider for further evaluation and care.

DuPage Health Department monitors WNV activity

The Health Department continues to monitor WNV activity by collecting and testing mosquitoes from traps located throughout the county from May through October, the West Nile virus season. To view DuPage County surveillance maps, visit https://www.dupagehealth.org/245/Surveillance-Maps.

For tips on how to gather more safely to prevent COVID-19 transmission, indoors and outdoors, visit http://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/small-social-gatherings-safety-tips.

Submitted by Stephanie Calvillo for DuPage County Health Department.

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