West Nile virus positive mosquitoes found in Shawneetown
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Illinois Department of Public Health has reported the first West Nile virus positive mosquito batch in Southern Illinois of the year. Egyptian Health Department staff collected the mosquito batch May 24 in Shawneetown that was later found to be positive for West Nile virus.
"As temperatures heat up and we head into summer, we will start to see more mosquitoes and birds test positive for West Nile virus," said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, in a prepared release. "It is important to protect yourself by following the three 'R's'- reduce your exposure to mosquitoes, repel them by wearing insect repellent and report areas where mosquitoes typically breed."
The release said mosquito batches collected May 17 and May 18 in DuPage and Cook counties have also tested positive for the virus, in addition to a bird in Cook County.
Last year, 19 counties in Illinois reported positive cases of the virus in either a batch of mosquitoes, a bird or a human. In 2011, a total of 34 Illinois residents contracted the disease, and three died.
Surveillance for the virus continues throughout the state, which includes laboratory tests on mosquito batches and dead birds, in addition to testing sick horses and humans with West Nile-like symptoms.
People in Saline, Gallatin and White counties who observe a sick or dying crow, blue jay, robin or other perching bird should contact the Egyptian Health Department, which will determine if the bird should be picked up for testing. Those in other Illinois counties should contact their own local health department for further information.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms can last from only a few days to as long as a few weeks. However, most people who contract the disease show no symptoms at all.
In rare cases, the virus can cause severe illnesses including meningitis and encephalitis, or even death. People 50 years or older are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.
The best way to prevent the disease is by reducing the number of mosquitoes around one's home and taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Cindy Wise, of the Saline County branch of the Egyptian Health Department, encouraged residents to clean up their yards to avoid creating mosquito breeding grounds. Mosquitoes tend to be attracted to stagnant water, so homeowners should be sure to change the water in birdbaths, pools, gutters and anything that can retain water.
She said the health department will continue to test for West Nile virus throughout the summer, especially after a human tested positive for the virus in Saline County last year. That was a two-year-year old boy who became sick, but recovered.
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Stewart receives email at cstewart@dailyregister.com.</li>
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