Woodford County 4-H Public Presentations Project members are (back row, from let) Jacqueline Schertz, Jaycie Schertz, Morgan Rich and Collin Grebner; and (front row, from left)  Lilly Twait, Nathan Schertz and Timothy Leman.

WOODFORD COUNTY

Health department issues warnings about West Nile virus

The Woodford County Health Department is testing birds for West Nile virus and is reminding the public to be careful during mosquito season.

The virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. The health department will submit up to five birds to a laboratory for testing through Oct. 15. Crows and blue jays are key indicator species for the appearance of West Nile virus in the area. Citizens who observe sick or dying birds are urged to report to the health department. Birds dying from West Nile virus are usually found singly, scattered over a wide area. In contrast, birds that die from other causes (storm mortality, food poisoning, toxicants) often die in groups or clusters in a small area.

In 2015, Illinois had 77 human cases of the virus; Woodford County had none. Although the highest risk populations include people over age 50 and individuals with weakened immune systems, all residents are still at risk in areas where the virus is found. High summer temperatures and low rainfall provide favorable conditions for the house mosquito and related species that transmit West Nile to birds and humans.

To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, the Illinois Department of Public Health recommends these precautions:

• Minimize time spent outdoors dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. When outdoors at those times, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing works best.
• Use mosquito repellent when outdoors. For adults, repellents with about 25-35 percent DEET work best. Use of lower concentrations is recommended for children. Do not use products containing DEET on infants. Picaridin, another repellent, works well.
• Check residential screens, including porches and patios, for tears and other openings.
• At least once per week, empty standing water from containers in areas such as bird baths, old tires and flower pots. Clean clogged gutters, wading pools, wheelbarrows, boats and other objects capable of holding water. Keep ditch drains clear of debris and eliminate standing water.
• Horse owners should minimize exposure of their animals to mosquitoes. A vaccine to protect horses from West Nile virus is available. While susceptible to the virus, horses are not known to transmit the disease to other horses or humans.

If interested in obtaining information regarding the virus, go to you can the county health department’s website at www.woodfordhealth.org or contact Eric Lane at (309) 467-3064. Information and statistics about the virus can be found on the state public health department’s website at:
www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/west-nile-virus. 

Area youths win 4-H public presentations contest

Seven Woodford County 4-H members showcased their public speaking skills at the Woodford County 4-H Public Presentations Contest recently at the Eureka Church of the Nazarene.

Youth competed for ribbons and plaques in divisions based on their age. Presentations included formal speeches, illustrated speeches, oral interpretations, original works and demonstrations.

Collin Grebner won Junior Champion with his illustrated speech, “There’s an App for That!”  Nichole Daugherty won Senior Champion with her illustrated speech, “The Truth about Concussions.” The overall plaque winner was Collin Grebner.

Four of the presentations were selected to move on to the State Fair Public Presentations Contest, including Nathan Schertz’s formal speech. “A Reflection;” Morgan Rich’s oral interpretation, “To This Day;” Collin Grebner’s illustrated speech, “There’s an App for That!” and Jacqueline Schertz’s original works, “Family First … Always.”

Other presenters receiving ribbons were Lilly Twait for her demonstration, “So I Think You Can Dance,” Jaycie Schertz for the illustrated speech, “The Truth about Concussions” and Timothy Leman for his oral interpretation, “Jason and Tommy.”

Woodford County youth will continue to exhibit their projects at the Woodford County 4-H Fair, which ends on July 28 at the Farm Bureau Park. View the full schedule at go.illinois.edu/woodford4Hfair.

For more information about 4-H in Woodford County, call (309) 467-3789.

–Woodford County News Briefs–