Community Corner

County Plans Mosquito Monitoring

Residents are asked to help stop the spread of West Nile Virus by reporting the location of dead birds.

Summer is on its way — and with the warm weather comes the unavoidable: mosquitoes.

The Will County Health Department is asking residents to help prevent the spread of West Nile Virus (WNV) by reporting dead birds that may have been infected by the disease, which can cause meningitis and encephalitis in humans. Both diseases are potentially fatal inflammations of the brain and spinal cord.

In 2010, WNV activity was reported in 40 states, according to the health department, with 981 cases of human infection and 45 deaths nationwide. Since 2002, there have been 1,642 cases reported in Illinois and 102 fatalities. The state totals include 54 Will County cases and two local fatalities in the last nine years.

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Since May marks the beginning of WNV season in Illinois, the health department last week activated its WNV information line, available 24 hours per day for residents who want to report dead birds to help identify areas where potential for human infection is higher. To make a report, call the hotline at 815-740-7631.

The information line, established in 2002, allows residents to get information on WNV, report the location of dead birds and talk to health department representatives about the disease during regular business hours.

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Will County Environmental Health uses dead bird reports to identify potential WNV hotspots. The birds are sent to the Illinois Department of Public Health for testing. Fourteen species, including robins, finches, grackles, sparrows, wrens, swallows and cardinals, are accepted for testing. For more information on the types of birds that are accepted, including photos of priority birds, click HERE.

“WNV poses potential health risks for everyone,” said Will County Environmental Health Director Elizabeth Bilotta. “We are interested in the location of dead birds because that information is one way we are able to assess the potential for local virus activity. Dead bird monitoring and testing has traditionally been a critical part of the statewide WNV surveillance initiative.”

Will County Environmental Health is also tentatively planning three mosquito monitoring sites for Bolingbrook, Joliet and University Park. Additional state-funded monitoring activities are dependent on the state budget, currently being crafted by legislators in Springfield.

To further minimize risk of WNV infection, Will County Health Department officials urge residents to avoid outdoor activity at dusk or near dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Wearing light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites on your property, such as standing water, will also reduce risk. Insect repellents containing DEET can also deter mosquitoes. 

The Romeoville Mosquito Abatement District uses Clarke mosquito control to spray for the tiny bloodsuckers. A rep for the company did not immediately return calls from Patch seeking information on scheduled mosquito sprayings in the village.


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