By Neil Doyle
BLOOMINGTON – The first cases of West Nile virus have been identified in McLean County.
A mosquito pool collected in the 61705 zip code area and a dead bird found in the 61761 area tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to a news release Thursday.
McLean County is one of 18 counties in Illinois with confirmed West Nile activity. There have been no reported human cases.
The McLean County Health Department says West Nile human infection occurs primarily in midsummer to early fall, although mosquitoes that can carry the disease may be present from mid-April through October.
Residents are advised to limit time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn and take precautionary measures to limit exposure to mosquitoes.
REDUCE exposure
- wear protective clothing like long pants and long-sleeved shirts, along with socks and shoes, when outside from dawn until dusk (the time when the Culex mosquito is most active)
- repair and replace worn screens on doors and windows
- eliminate stagnant, shallow water weekly to prevent mosquitoes from breeding (including bird baths, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and other receptacles that collect water)
REPEL mosquitoes
- apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, according to label instructions (consult a physician before using repellents on infants)
REPORT dead birds and standing water sources
- contact the MCHD to report dead birds and areas of stagnant water in roadside ditches, flooded yards and similar locations that may create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes
Neil Doyle can be reached at neil.doyle@cumulus.com
