West Nile Virus Update Includes Precautions

West Chicago, Illinois: August 31, 2007 - While recent flooding in northeastern Illinois has been a source of increasing numbers of floodwater mosquitoes that typically don’t carry the West Nile Virus, Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, Illinois Department of Public Health Director, is reminding people throughout the state to continue to protect themselves against the common house mosquito which does carry West Nile virus.
A total of 25 counties in Illinois have reported mosquito samples, birds or humans positive for West Nile virus so far this year including Champaign, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Kane, Lake, Lee, Macon, Marion, Macoupin, Madison, McHenry, Ogle, Pike, Saline, Sangamon, St. Clair, Tazewell, White, Whiteside, Winnebago and Woodford counties.
The following precautions may help to reduce the risk of West Nile disease or any other mosquito-borne illness:

Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn. Use prevention methods whenever mosquitoes are present.
When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.
Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night.
Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding, including flowerpots, clogged roof gutters, old tires and any other receptacles. Change water in bird baths weekly. Properly maintain wading pools and stock ornamental ponds with fish. Cover rain barrels with 16 mesh wire screen.

Additional information about West Nile virus can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website at www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm or people can call the West Nile Virus Hotline at 866-369-9710 Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

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West Chicago is the fastest-growing city in DuPage County in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. With a current population of more than 25,000, West Chicago is a diverse, family-oriented community with a rich cultural mix and a proud heritage. West Chicago is the first Illinois community established by the railroads and continues to be a convenient transportation hub served by three major rail lines, Illinois' third-busiest airport and three state highways. West Chicago offers award-winning schools, a growing industrial park and convenient access to parks, shopping and restaurants. Additional information can be found on the city's website at www.westchicago.org or by calling Rosemary Mackey directlyat (630) 293-2200 x 139.

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO 475 Main Street, West Chicago, Illinois 60185 T - (630) 293-2200 www.westchicago.org