MORTON, Ill. (WMBD) — Officials have confirmed a mosquito pool collected in Tazewell County has tested positive for West Nile Virus.
The pool was reportedly collected on Tuesday, June 10 in Morton before being tested on Wednesday at the Tazewell County Health Department.
According to the Tazewell County Health Department, West Nile Virus is spread through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito.
Most people who are infected do not experience symptoms, but if symptoms are present, mild cases may cause a slight fever or headache.
The Tazewell County Health Department said more severe cases may result in a fast-developing high fever with head and body aches, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, and in some severe cases, paralysis, or death.
The health department also said symptoms typically happen from three to 14 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito.
People 60 years or older are at the highest risk for serious illness associated with West Nile Virus.
While the pool was collected in Morton, anyone within the area are urged to use precautions.
The department conducts regular testing of mosquito pools throughout Tazewell County and encourages residents to do what they can to help prevent the spread of West Nile Virus.
The health department encourages residents to follow “The 3 R’s for Protecting Against Mosquitoes”:
- Reduce: Reduce the number of mosquitoes by reporting eliminating instances of
standing water (water that has sat in the same spot for more than 7-10 days). These areas
are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and for West Nile Virus. This can include keeping
outdoor trash cans closed so they do not fill with rainwater; getting rid of old tires, tin
cans, buckets, drums, bottles, or any other water-holding containers; and emptying plastic
wading pools at least once a week and storing indoors when not in use. - Repel: Repel mosquitoes by using the proper insect repellent. Use a repellent containing
DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. When possible, avoid being outdoors from
dusk to dawn. This is when mosquitoes are most active. If you are outside during these
times, wear loose-fitting, light-colored, and long-sleeved tops and long pants made of
tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin. - Report: Report instances of standing water that have sat for more than 7-10 days. To
report standing water in Tazewell County, head to TCHD’s standing water report form.
For more information on West Nile Virus, you can visit the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website.
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