Southern Illinois' Southern 7 Health Department has reported the first cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes for 2024, detected in Alexander, Hardin, and Johnson Counties. As of now, there have been no human cases reported in the region. The virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Culex pipiens mosquitoes, which acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus infection typically include fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally a skin rash or swollen lymph glands. Most individuals infected with WNV (about 80%) will not show any symptoms, but severe cases can lead to neurological diseases such as meningitis or encephalitis, particularly among elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems.
To minimize the risk of contracting WNV, residents are advised to take precautions known as the three "R's": Reduce, Repel, and Report. Firstly, reducing exposure involves ensuring that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes, and eliminating sources of standing water where mosquitoes breed, such as bird baths, flowerpots, and stagnant pools. Secondly, repelling mosquitoes entails wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or other EPA-registered ingredients, and consulting a physician before applying repellents on infants. Thirdly, residents are encouraged to report areas of stagnant water lasting over a week to local health authorities, who can take measures such as adding larvicide to prevent mosquito larvae from maturing.
The Southern 7 Health Department will continue to monitor and trap mosquitoes throughout the summer and early fall to prevent further spread of West Nile Virus. For more information or updates, residents can contact Miranda Adams, Director of Environmental Health Services, at 618-634-2297 x. 973114, visit www.southern7.org, or download the Southern 7 app. Taking these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of contracting West Nile Virus during mosquito season.
