Positive Test for West Nile in DuPage County — Here’s What You Need to Know in Kane
Early reports of West Nile activity have prompted a health advisory in DuPage County and some strong advice from the Kane County Health Department for residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Taking precautions to protect yourself and your family reduces the risk of being bitten by any infected mosquito, including those that can transmit WNV and the Zika Virus.To prevent mosquito breeding:
- Discard old tires, buckets, drums or any water holding containers.
- Keep roof gutters and downspouts clear of debris.
- Keep trash containers covered.
- Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store indoors when not in use.
- Drain unused swimming pools.
- Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water.
- Change the water in bird baths and plant urns at least once a week.
To prevent mosquito bites:
- Wear light-colored clothing that minimizes exposed skin and provides some protection from mosquito bites.
- Make sure door and window screens fit tightly and that all holes are repaired.
- Apply insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535 according to label instructions; consult a physician before using repellents on infants.
While most people infected with WNV have no symptoms of illness, some may become ill, usually three to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. In some individuals, particularly the elderly, the virus can cause muscle weakness, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis, coma or death. Learn more by visiting www.kanehealth.com/west_nile.htm.
The Health Department conducts a multi-faceted mosquito surveillance program in Kane County. Beginning in late spring and continuing into the autumn, a series of traps are set around the county. At each site, a pool or batch of mosquitoes is tested weekly for West Nile virus. Areas of stagnant water are also investigated throughout the season for the presence of mosquito larvae, specifically from the Culex mosquito, which is the primary carrier of West Nile in Illinois.
West Nile Trap Locations in Kane County
