West Nile virus detected in Logan County

[July 22, 2013]  Last week the Logan County Department of Public Health collected mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquitoes were collected Wednesday from a trap in the Mount Pulaski area. With this test, Logan County became the 30th county in Illinois to have positive WNV results.

This is a reminder that even though the area hasn't had significant rain totals as of late, the mosquitoes that carry WNV breed in stagnant water. The hot and dry conditions following the early spring flooding provided ideal breeding environments in the area.

Because of the existing threat, the Logan County Department of Public Health reminds everyone that the best way to prevent WNV disease is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to use personal protection. The Logan County Department of Public Health urges you to practice the three "R's" -- reduce, repel and report.

• Do reduce your exposure by avoiding being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, from dusk to dawn. Repair screens with tears or any other outer openings. Keep windows shut, and eliminate areas of standing water around your property where mosquitoes can breed.

• Do repel mosquitoes from biting when you are outdoors by wearing shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt (light-colored clothing is preferred). Wear repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535, and use according to the label instructions.

• Do report dead birds to the Logan County Department of Public Health. If the bird has been dead less than 24 hours and appears to have died of natural causes, it may be eligible for testing. In addition, contact the health department or your local municipality to report any stagnant water in roadside ditches, abandoned pools, flooded areas or similar locations that may provide breeding sites for mosquitoes.

The health department appreciates the assistance the public has provided during the 2013 season to help monitor WNV activity by reporting dead birds and placing traps.

If you have questions regarding WNV, you can contact the Logan County Department of Public Health at 217-735-2317.

[Text from file received from the Logan County Department of Public Health]