First West Nile Positive Bird in Champaign County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2012
Contact
Jeff Blackford, Program Coordinator
(217) 531-2919 /
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
First West Nile Positive Bird in Champaign County
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Urges Residents to Take Precautions
Champaign, IL – A dead bird collected last week in the City of Champaign has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), along with an unconfirmed mosquito pool collected in the City of Urbana. “As mosquito season progresses, it is important for people to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding sites,” said Jeff Blackford, Program Coordinator at the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD).
Prevent mosquito bites.
- Try to avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening.
- When weather permits, wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
- Apply insect repellent that contains active ingredients which have been registered with the EPA. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.
- Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night.
Eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
- Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding. Empty water from bird baths, flowerpots, wading pools, pet dishes, and swimming pool covers at least once or twice a week. Maintain gutters and swimming pools. Remove old tires and other items that could collect water. Contact CUPHD at (217) 373-7900 to report areas of stagnant water.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Only about two people in 10 who are infected with WNV will experience any illness. Illness from WNV is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches, but serious illness such as encephalitis, meningitis and death are possible. Persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.
As of June 19, 2012, there have been 13 counties in Illinois reporting either a positive West Nile virus bird or mosquito pool. No human cases have been reported.
Additional information about WNV can be found on the CUPHD website at http://www.c-uphd.org/west-nile-virus.html.
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