Mosquitos test positive for West Nile Virus in suburban Skokie

The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of NIH, said West Nile Virus “has emerged as an important health threat” in the United States since first appearing in the country in 1999.

For those who have bee hives, the county said it’s optional to cover them during the application if that’s of particular concern.

Officials say that no cases of the virus have been reported in humans in Suffolk County or NYC this year.

While no mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in the region so far this year, elsewhere in Ohio, mosquitoes are carrying the virus.

Since the state’s first human case in 2002, South Dakota has reported 2,168 cases, including 677 hospitalizations and 32 deaths.

According to the Weber-Morgan Health Department, infected mosquitoes spread the virus when they bite humans, horses and birds.

Be sure that door and window screens are in good condition so mosquitoes can not get indoors.

The West Nile Virus displays symptoms very similar to the flu.

The second D stands for dawn and dusk, which serves to caution residents to wear proper clothing and repellant at these times, because that is when mosquitoes are more likely to bite, according to health department officials. Residents may call 630-444-3040 to report the presence of freshly dead birds (such as crows or blue jays) to determine whether West Nile virus testing is recommended. Less than one percent of infected people develop serious, sometimes deadly, neurologic illness.

· Use insect repellents when you go outdoors.

The department also suggests emptying any standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, or any other objects holding water to prevent potential mosquito breeding sites.

West Nile virus is a flavivirus that causes the West Nile encephalitis – and inflammation of the brain with symptoms that include headaches, neck pain, drowsiness, nausea, and fever among others.

Grau said keeping standing water out of your yard can be a significant help. Read the label and carefully follow instructions.