West Nile detected in Logan County

From news reports
·2 min read

A warning by the Logan County Department of Public Health is being sent to those who live in Logan County.

The LCDPH collected a mosquito batch Friday which tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The mosquito batch was collected in rural Mount Pulaski.

West Nile encephalitis is an infection of the brain caused by the WNV which is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

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Since it is early in the year, WNV activity in the state is starting to ramp up and numbers are expected to increase as summer progresses. Regardless of the time of season, WNV will always remain a threat.

Logan County Department of Public Health is reminding the public the best way to prevent WNV disease is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around their home and to use personal protection.

The Logan County Department of Public Health is asking the public to practice the three “R’s” – reduce, repel, and report.

  • Do reduce your exposure by avoid 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 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 is dead less than 24 hours and has appeared to die of natural causes, it may be eligible for testing. Bird specimens will be accepted for testing until October 15th. In addition, contact the health department or your local municipality to report any stagnant water in roadside ditches, abandoned pools, flooded yards or similar locations that may provide breeding sites for mosquitoes.

For those individuals who are bitten by a mosquito, there is no reason to be tested for WNV since illnesses related to mosquito bites are rare. However, for those who develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness or severe headache, you should see a doctor.

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Remember to play it safe and to continue to take preventative measures until mosquito activity fully ceases.

For those who have questions regarding WNV, are asked to contact the Logan County Department of Public Health at 217-735-2317.

For additional information regarding WNV, the public can also refer to the environmental health section of the health department website at WWW.LCDPH.Org.

With the onset of warm weather, mosquitoes are becoming more active which increases the threat of mosquito-related diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV).
With the onset of warm weather, mosquitoes are becoming more active which increases the threat of mosquito-related diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV).

This article originally appeared on Lincoln Courier: Mosquito batch reveals West Nile Virus in Logan County