September 4, 2023 – The West Nile virus has been popping up around the state and the Illinois Department of Public Health has some advice to fight the bite.
West Nile has already been detected in 54 counties, including Macon County, and has caused one death in Cook County.
“Diseases such as West Nile virus pose a serious health threat, especially to our seniors or individuals who have weakened immune systems,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Please ‘fight the bite’ by wearing insect repellent while outdoors and eliminating standing water around your homes where mosquitos can easily breed.”
Using insect repellant is one of the best ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Bug spray with either DEET or Picaridin has proven effective and safe for people over one year of age. There are also ingredients like I-R-35-35 and oil of lemon eucalyptus. It’s also a good idea to dump out any standing water on your property where mosquitos can breed.
You can also wear light-colored and lightweight long sleeves and pants when you are outside to help prevent mosquito bites.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a Culex mosquito, commonly called a typical mosquito, which has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common symptoms of WNV include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. Four out of five people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. However, in rare cases, severe illness can occur, including brain infections such as meningitis or encephalitis and paralysis or even death. People older than 50 and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.
There is no specific treatment for WNV nor is there a vaccine at present, therefore it is critically important people minimize their risk of acquiring the virus.
