Mosquitoes Carrying the West Nile Virus Detected in Chicago Suburbs

Weber-Morgan health officials are warning residents after mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus near Riverdale. There were 108 human cases of West Nile virus reported statewide in 2014, 93 of which were in Maricopa County.

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that 70 to 80 percent of people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. Persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.

The last time someone tested positive for West Nile virus in Ohio was August 2013, according to the state.

– Install or fix screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.

The USA National Institutes of Health is beginning a trial of an experimental new vaccine created to protect against West Nile Virus. “While there is no cause for alarm, we urge residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to reduce the exposure to the virus, which can be debilitating to humans”.

The spraying will take place after dusk when bees are not active, and rapidly breaks down and is undetectable by morning when the bees come out again, the county said. West Nile Virus infection is spread through infected mosquitoes and often appears as asymptomatic in its victims.

The World Health Organization says the disease was first discovered in 1937 in the West Nile District of Uganda.

Common symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea and rash.

Apply mosquito repellent containing EPA-registered insect repellent to your skin and clothing. Make sure you use follow the directions on the product labels.

WNV is influenced by many factors such as climate, the number and types of birds and mosquitoes in an area and the level of immunity in birds to the virus, health department officials said.

To help eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes, the Health Department recommends removing or turning over surfaces that may accumulate standing water around your home, including outdoor trash containers, birdbaths, and flower pots.