Eric Lane of the Woodford County Health Department with a mosquito trap.

The Woodford County Health Department (WCHD) would like to remind the public that the mosquito season is quickly approaching. Mosquito-borne West Nile Virus (WNV) is likely to remain a threat to Illinois for the foreseeable future. In 2014, there were 43 human cases and 4 human deaths in Illinois. 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.

WNV is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Crows and Blue Jays are key indicator species for the appearance of WNV in an area. A crow or blue jay bitten by an infected mosquito will die within 24 hours. The dead birds pose no danger to humans or pets because the virus is only transmitted through the mosquito bite.

Birds will be accepted for testing from May 1, 2015 through October 15, 2015. Other suitable birds that can be tested include: Blackbird, Bluebird, Catbird, Cardinal, Cedar Waxwing, Chickadee, Cowbird, Creeper, Finch, Flycatcher, Grackle, Lark, Mockingbird, Mourning Dove, Nuthatch, Oriole, Purple Martin, Robin, Starling, Swallow, Tanager, Thrush, Woodpecker, and Wrens. Hawks and Owls and many species of sparrows and warblers will also be accepted for testing. Birds that will NOT be tested include: Chickens, Gulls, Waterfowl, or larger birds such as Turkey Vultures, and Eagles. Pictures of perching birds can be viewed at www.illinoisraptorcenter.org/Field%20Guide/birdguide.html.

The Woodford County Health Department will once again be submitting up to 10 total birds to a laboratory for testing of WNV. Citizens who observe sick/dying “eligible” birds between May 1st and October 15th are again urged to report this to their local health department. Birds submitted for testing must be “eligible” birds with no obvious cause of death, such as birds killed by a gunshot or birds found crushed on a roadway that are most likely killed by motor vehicles. Birds dying from WNV 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.

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

• Minimize time spent outdoors when mosquitoes are most active. When outdoors between dusk and dawn, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing works best.
• Consider the use of mosquito repellent when outdoors and always follow the directions on the label.

For adults, generally repellents with about 25-35% DEET work best. Use of lower concentrations is recommended for children. Do not use products containing DEET on infants. Picaridin is another insect repellent that works well.

• Check residential screens, including porches and patios, for tears and other openings.
• At least once per week, empty standing water from containers on the property in areas such as bird baths, old tires, flower pots, etc. Clean clogged roof gutters, wading pools, wheelbarrows, boats and other objects capable of holding water. Keep ditch drains clear of debris and fill in low areas on your property to eliminate standing water.

Horse owners also should take precautions to 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. For more information regarding West Nile Virus and horses, horse owners can contact their veterinarian.

If anyone is interested in obtaining information regarding West Nile Virus, please visit the Woodford County Health Department website at www.woodfordhealth.org or contact Eric Lane, Director of Environmental Health at 309-467-3064. In addition, information and statistics in regards to WNV can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health Web site at www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm. Information Source: Illinois Department of Public Health.