| West Nile Virus
Information
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The Village of La Grange is part of Des Plaines Valley
Mosquito Abatement District which provides services
in connection with the control of mosquitoes and the
education of the public. The Community Development Department
will continue to distribute the following information
to the public as well as any entity involved with the
prevention of any disease spread through mosquitoes. |
Why do I need to be concerned about mosquito prevention
and protection?
Currently, the West Nile Virus is the main reason why you
should take measures to protect yourself and your property.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is an infection carried by mosquitoes.
In the past, WNV was found in Africa, the Middle East and
in parts of Europe, Russia, India and Indonesia. WNV may
have entered the United States through an infected traveler,
bird or mosquito and first appeared here, on the east coast
of the United States, in 1999.
People get WNV from the bite of a mosquito that is infected
with the virus. Mosquitoes become infected birds that carry
the virus in their blood. Once infected, the mosquito can
spread the virus to humans and other animals.
What are the symptoms of WNV?
Most people infected with WNV have no symptoms of illness
and never become ill. Some people may become ill 3-15 days
after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Symptoms may include fever, headache and body aches. More
severe symptoms may be a high fever, stiff neck, confusion
and muscle weakness.
Who can get the virus?
Anybody can become infected with the WNV so it’s
important to protect yourself from mosquito bites by following
the important information in this brochure. People over
the age for 50 and those with chronic diseases such as heart
disease or cancer may be more at-risk for serious illness.
Most human cases occur in the late summer or early fall.
Is there any treatment for the WNV?
No specific treatment or vaccine for WNV exists. In severe
cases, hospitalization may be necessary. If you believe
you may have been infected, call your doctor.
What can I do to help reduce mosquito breeding
on my property?
• Throw away all trash that holds water.
• Clean rain gutters and downspouts to prevent water
from standing tin gutters or on flat roofs.
• Change water in bird baths, wading pools, etc. at
least once a week.
• Stack water holding containers upside down.
• Stock ornamental ponds with goldfish or other surface-eating
fish to control mosquito breeding.
• Be sure screens are in good repair and tight fitting.
• Private Catch Basins (please report these to the
Des Plaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District at 447-1765
for treatment and the Village for recording purposes).
• Click on the icon to see the illustration.
How can I best protect myself and others from getting
an infection transmitted by mosquitoes?
• Use mosquito repellents only as directed. Repellents
containing 25 – 35% diethyl tolumide (DEET) can be
very effective in preventing bites.
• Talk to your doctor prior to applying repellent
to infants or children.
• Wear pants, socks and long sleeved shirts while
outdoors (Loose fitting and light colored is best).
• Limit time outside at dawn, dusk and in the early
evening.
If I find a dead bird, what do I need to do?
• Contact the Cook County Dept. of Public Health
at 492-2035 to report your sighting and also contact the
Des Plaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District at 447-1765.
• Disposing of the dead bird requires a double-bagging
and avoid bare hand contact by using gloves or a shovel
to pick up the bird.
Is there anywhere I can get more information on
West Nile Virus and Mosquito Prevention and Protection?
Des Plaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District
(708) 447-1765
Cook County Department of Public Health
Environmental Health Services
(708) 492-2035
The Illinois Dept. of Public Health
www.idph.state.il.us
National Center of Infectious Diseases
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/dvbid.htm
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