PEORIA, Ill. — The Peoria City/County Health Department will begin vector surveillance of mosquitoes and birds for West Nile virus beginning May 31 through October 15. Testing for West Nile will be done at various locations throughout the county.
PCCHD’s Diana Scott said in a release that vector surveillance will not include testing for avian flu.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. The Health Department plans to set mosquito traps throughout Peoria County to watch for areas of breeding and then test those mosquitoes for WNV.
The Health Department will also be collecting and accepting dead birds with an emphasis on crows and blue jays to test for evidence of the WNV infection in the area. The PCCHD said dead birds can also be infected with diseases, so they should not be handled with bare hands.
Dead birds should be double wrapped in plastic garbage bags prior to collection or disposal, the Health Department added.
If a dead bird is found on your property, between now and October 15, and appears to have died of natural causes, report it to the PCCHD at 309-679-6161.
The best way to prevent West Nile virus or any other mosquito-borne illnesses is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Precautions include practicing the three “R’s” — reduce, repel, and report, PCCHD said.
REDUCE exposure — Avoid being outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn. 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 sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and any other receptacles.
REPEL mosquitoes — When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535. Consult a physician before using repellent on infants.
REPORT mosquito breeding grounds — In communities where there are organized mosquito control programs, contact your municipal government to report areas of stagnant water in roadside ditches, flooded yards and other locations that may produce mosquitoes.
Common West Nile virus symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last a few days to a few weeks. Many people infected with WNV won’t show any symptoms. People over the age of 50 are at a higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.
For more information on public health issues pertaining to mosquitoes from the Peoria City/County Health Department, click HERE.
