After last night’s heavy rain and today’s continuing heat wave, now with the end in sight, walk around your property and empty all receptacles with standing water to help prevent development of mosquitoes that might live to spread the West Nile virus.
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC), “West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes then spread West Nile virus to people and other animals by biting them.”
Remember. West Nile virus is transmitted by infected mosquitos. Individuals do not spread WNV to other people.
Approximately one in five people who are 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).
Individuals over the age of 60, 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. Individuals who experience symptoms that cause concern should contact their healthcare provider.
Follow four Ds of Defense: Drain, Defend, Dress, Dusk to Dawn
The best way to prevent WNV is to avoid mosquito bites and follow the four Ds of defense.
- Drain: Drain those items that collect standing water around your home, yard, or business. Scrub and refill pet water dishes and bird baths regularly.
- Defend: Use an insect repellant containing DEET when outdoors and reapply according to directions.
- Dress: Wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes when outside to cover the skin.
- Dusk to dawn: Wear repellant outdoors during these prime times for mosquito activity.
Residents are encouraged to check the Personal Protection Index (PPI) on the DuPage County Health Department’s website for the most up-to-date information on WNV activity.
The current PPI level is at 3 (high), which indicates multiple confirmed human cases in DuPage County. The recommended actions are Drain, Defend, Dress, and Dusk to Dawn.
The PPI widget is updated by 3PM every Wednesday throughout the WNV season. These weekly updates are determined by the Health Department’s vector-borne disease surveillance experts.
WNV activity generally decreases in the fall when cooler temperatures arrive and especially after the first frost of the season. Additional information and resources on WNV prevention are available at www.cdc.gov/westnile and dph.illinois.gov.
This link goes to the most current stats and data on the CDC website.
