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Central Region Groundwater Website
Click here to check the current National Threat Advisory Level
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May 8,
2007 First mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in
Illinois
Click here
to go to IDPH Press Release
MOSQUITO AWARENESS
As you may have heard, in 2002, Illinois had 877 positive
human cases and 62 deaths caused by the West Nile Virus. In July 2002, the
Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed the West Nile Virus was in
Tazewell County. Not all individuals infected with the virus will have symptoms
of an illness. Mild symptoms include headaches and fever, while more severe
symptoms include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), muscle weakness, high
fever, convulsions, paralysis, coma, or death. The elderly and individuals with
compromised immune systems are at greater risk for the West Nile Virus.
In order to prevent the West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, we
need to eliminate all possible mosquito-breeding sites. The northern house
mosquito (Culex pipiens) transmits the virus to humans after ingesting the virus
from an infected bird. Any place where water is retained more than seven to ten
days can be a possible breeding area for mosquitoes.
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ITEMS FOUND: |
IMPORTANT REMINDERS: |
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Tires off rims |
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Get rid of old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums,
bottles, or any other water-holding containers. |
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Open containers |
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Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater. |
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Uncovered boat(s) |
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Store boats covered or upside down, or remove
rainwater weekly. |
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Birdbath(s) |
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Change the water in birdbaths, plant drip
trays, and pet bowls at least once a week. |
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Swimming Pool(s) |
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Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week
and store indoors when not in use. |
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Pet bowl(s) |
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Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets. |
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Plant drip trays |
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Fill in or drain any low places (puddles, ruts,
etc.) in the yard. |
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Ditch(es) or culvert(s) |
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Keep drains, ditches, and culverts free of
weeds and trash so water will drain properly. |
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Roof Gutters |
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Keep roof gutters free of leaves and other
debris. |
If you have any questions about the West Nile Virus, call
the Tazewell County Health Department at (309) 925-5511 or (309) 477-2223,
extension 272.
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