DuPage County Health Department receives additional
$24,500 from State Health Department to battle West Nile virus

The DuPage County Health Department has received an additional $24,500 from the Illinois Department of Public Health to strengthen West Nile virus prevention efforts. The announcement was made Wednesday in Chicago by Dr. Eric Whitaker, Director IDPH.

The funds will be used to continue surveillance within DuPage County, as well as continuing public education. The additional funds will also be used to assist communities with the highest concentration of West Nile virus activity and help selected communities with unmet mosquito abatement needs.

Five other local health departments also received additional IDPH funds.

DuPage County has reported three human cases of West Nile virus in 2005.

The Health Department has reported positive mosquito batches and positive birds with West Nile virus throughout DuPage County and activity has increased in recent weeks. Due to that increase, the DuPage County Health Department reminds residents to continue their protection and prevention efforts.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has become infected with the virus by feeding on an infected bird; human illness occurs when an infected mosquito bites a person. Most people infected with WNV have no symptoms of illness and never become ill. But some may become ill 3-15 days following a bite.

Symptoms can include fever, headache and body aches. People over the age of 50 and those with chronic diseases such as heart disease or cancer may be more at-risk for meningitis or encephalitis, two life-threatening diseases. But, people of any age can contract West Nile illness.

The Health Department urges everyone to make sure they are properly protected:

• Apply mosquito repellent containing 20-35 percent DEET primarily to clothing. Concentrations of 10% or less are indicated for children. Use sparingly on exposed skin. This year, in addition to DEET, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending products containing picaridin and lemon of eucalyptus. Both have proven to be effective mosquito repellents. Always follow the directions on the container.
   

• Limit time outdoors when mosquito activity is heaviest (dusk through dawn).
   

• Keep skin covered if outdoors between dusk and dawn. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks.
   

• Be sure screens in homes are intact and tight fitting to prevent entry of insects.
   

• Keep gutters around home cleared of debris and in good repair.
   

• Eliminate any containers that may hold water from around the outside of the home. Water that is allowed to stagnate for three or four days becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

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