Know how to reduce the risk of exposure…. Is the risk slight?

General Information

West Nile Virus has been confirmed for the first time in dead crows found within Northfield Township and throughout the State of Illinois in August of 2001. Birds are the natural hosts for this virus which can be transmitted from infected birds to people and other animals through bites of infected mosquitoes. It is not spread by person-to-person contact and there is no evidence that people can get the virus by handling infected animals. The West Nile virus occurs in people primarily in the late summer or early fall and can in rare cases cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or a brain infection that may cause convulsions, coma, or even death.

Infected birds, especially crows which are extremely susceptible to the virus, get sick and die from the infection. Reporting of dead birds is a good way to check for West Nile virus activity and can help local and state health departments determine the threat to people. With this valuable information, prevention and control measures can be put in place to minimize the spread of the virus.

Please call the Northfield Township Road District if you spot a dead bird.

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).

How is West Nile Virus spread?

A mosquito is infected when it bites a bird that is infected with the virus. The virus is then transmitted to people by the bite of the infected mosquito. Not all mosquito species transmit West Nile Virus. Migrating birds may play a role in the spreading of the virus. There is no evidence that the virus can be spread by infected animals or person-to-person contact such as touching, kissing, or caring for someone who is infected.

Because dead birds can carry a variety of diseases they should never be handled with bare hands. Use gloves to carefully place dead birds in double-plastic bags after calling the Northfield Township Road District. If you feel uncomfortable handling the dead birds, the Road District will provide this service.
Who is most at risk?

People over 50 years old have the highest risk of developing a severe illness after being bitten by an infected mosquito. People with a weakened immune system are also at jeopardy, however, anyone can get the virus.

What are the symptoms?

People with mild infections may experience fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands. People with more severe infections may experience high fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion, coma, tremors, occasional convulsions, and paralysis. West Nile virus can cause permanent neurological damage and may be fatal. Illness would occur usually within 5 to 15 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. If you have any of these symptoms, please seek medical care immediately.

A majority of people that are infected with the virus have no symptoms or experience only mild illness. While most people fully recover from the virus, in some severe cases hospitalization may be needed.

Is there treatment or a vaccine?

There is no specific treatment or a vaccine for West Nile virus.

How do I reduce my risk of mosquito bites?

• Control mosquito breeding hotspots. Eliminate standing water in flowerpots, trashcans, tires, wheelbarrows, window wells, storm drains, junk piles, etc…
  
  
• Repair Leakey faucets.
  
  
• Clean clogged roof gutters and downspouts as needed.
  
  
• Make sure that all doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair all screens and screen doors that have tears or holes.
  
  
• If possible, stay indoors during dawn, dusk and early evening when mosquitoes are most active.
  
  
• Should you have to go outdoors over a long period of time, or when mosquitoes are most active, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks.
  
  
• Avoid areas with heavy underbrush and trees.
  
  
• Take steps to prevent mosquito bites. Apply insect repellant sparingly to exposed skin. Be sure to follow the manufacturers’ instructions carefully. Affective insect repellants contain 20% to 30% of DEET. DEET is the active ingredient in insect repellants (Do not apply insect repellants on children less than 3 years old).
  
  
• Insect repellants containing permethrin may be sprayed on clothing to help prevent mosquitoes from biting through clothes.
  
  
• Stock ornamental ponds with goldfish and aerate.
  
  
• Clean and chlorinate all pools as needed.
  
  
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
  Change water in birdbaths weekly.
  
  
• Landscape your property to reduce low spots. Mosquitoes, the transmitters of the West Nile Virus, can breed in any puddle of water. A small puddle can become home for up to 1,000 mosquitoes after four days.
  

Eliminating breeding sites for mosquitoes goes a long way to prevent West Nile Virus.