Hancock County Receives Confirmation of Mosquito Batches

Testing Positive for West Nile Virus

The Hancock County Health Department has been notified that mosquito batches sent in from Hancock County have tested positive for the West Nile Virus.  Monitoring mosquito and bird populations help predict when and where humans will be most at risk for West Nile virus infections, as well as, where and when additional precautions and control measures should be taken.  Furthermore, no human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in Hancock County.

If a dead bird such as, Crow, Blue Jay, Grackle, Starling, Robin, Cardinal, Sparrow, Finch, Hawk and Owl is found in Hancock County and is in good condition and shows no signs it died from causes other than disease, please contact the Hancock County Health Department at 217-357-2171 option 5.  If the bird meets the criteria the bird will be sent to the lab for west nile testing.  The bird should have no injuries, no signs of advanced decomposition (maggots, strong odor, dried or deflated eyes).  If the bird is found after hours or on the weekend, plastic/latex gloves or bags can be used to pick up the bird and placed in a few layers of paper towels, double bagged and placed in the freezer until the Hancock County Health Department can be contacted. 

            West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common West Nile virus symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. However, four out of five people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. In rare cases, severe illness including meningitis or encephalitis, or even death, can occur. People older than 50 are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.  According to the Center for Disease Control there are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent WNV infection.

 Getting into the habit of reducing the number of mosquitoes around your home and neighborhood and taking personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites is the best way to prevent the West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses.  The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends the following prevention tips; get rid of old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles or any water-holding containers; fill in or drain low places (puddles, ruts, etc.) in the yard; keep drains, ditches and culverts free of weeds and trash so water will drain properly; keep roof gutters free of leaves and other debris; cover trash containers to keep out rainwater; repair leaky pipes and outside faucets; empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store indoors when not in use; unused swimming pools should be drained and kept dry during the mosquito season; fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water; change the water in birdbaths and plant pots or drip trays at least once each week.  Furthermore, it is recommended to; store boats covered or upside down, or remove rainwater weekly; keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house so adult mosquitoes will not hide there; make sure ornamental ponds have fish that eat mosquito larvae; and repair window screens.

Personal protection recommendations include wearing shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin.  Additionally, when it is necessary to be outdoors, apply insect repellent that contains 10-25% DEET.   Apply repellents to clothes whenever possible; apply sparingly to exposed skin if label permits. Consult a physician before using repellents on young children.
 If you have questions about West Nile Virus, surveillance efforts or would have found a dead bird that meets criteria, contact the Hancock County Health Department  217-357-2171 option 5 and if you have symptoms related to this virus contact your healthcare provider.