ChicTrib

West Nile virus found in Chicago area

Tribune staff reports Published September 5, 2001, 6:03 PM CDT

SPRINGFIELD – Two dead crows found in the Chicago suburbs of Arlington Heights and Lombard have tested positive for West Nile virus, marking the first time the virus has been identified in Illinois, public health officials announced today.

"There have been no human cases of West Nile virus reported in Illinois, and the risk for this disease remains low," Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director, said in a prepared statement. "However, people, particularly those living in the areas where the virus has been identified, should take precautions to protect against mosquito bites."

Local public health officials found the crows in Arlington Heights on Aug. 23 and in Lombard on Aug. 27, officials said. Tests by the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wis., confirmed the presence of the West Nile virus, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

When the virus first appeared in the U.S. in 1999, it infected more than 60 people in the New York area, killing seven of them. According to the USGS, the virus has been confirmed in nine humans in the U.S. this year, including an Atlanta woman who died.

The virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird, officials said. While most people infected with the virus show no symptoms of illness, some may become ill, usually three to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

Symptoms can be mild, such as a fever or a headache. But in some individuals -- particularly the elderly -- West Nile virus can cause serious disease that includes muscle weakness, inflammation of the brain or encephalitis, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and death.

Citizens who observe sick or dying birds, particularly crows, blue jays and hawks, should contact their local health department or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, officials said.

To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, people should stay indoors at dawn, dusk and in the early evening when mosquitoes are most active, and wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt and use mosquito repellent containing 35-percent DEET when outdoors, officials said.

Officials cautioned that repellent should be applied sparingly to exposed skin or clothing, as indicated on the repellent label, and a physician should be consulted before using repellents on young children. Also, people should check window and door screens for tears and other openings, and eliminate stagnant water in birdbaths, flower pots and other receptacles where mosquitoes could breed, officials said.

With the addition of Illinois, West Nile virus has been detected in 21 states and in Washington, D. C., and Ontario, Canada, officials said. In the past two weeks, the virus has been identified in Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky and Wisconsin.

Additional information about West Nile virus can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health Web site.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

-- Anonymous, September 06, 2001

Answers

Vet was here today...my 3 horses got the WNV vaccine...next one due in 3 weeks!

-- Anonymous, September 07, 2001