By Jake Fogal
NORMAL – The McLean County Health Department is reminding community member’s to fight the bite after a bird has tested positive for West Nile Virus in Normal.
The health department collected the dead crow after a resident reported it in the 61761 zip code area in Normal.
West Nile Virus is a disease spread by mosquitoes that can result in brain inflammation known as encephalitis.
Mosquitoes feed on infected birds, then subsequently spread West Nile Virus when they bite humans and other animals.
Symptoms typically occur from 3 to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.
“Adults 50 years of age or older and people with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk of developing severe symptoms,” said Angie Crawford, MCHD Senior Environmental Health Practitioner.
“If symptoms become severe enough to seek medical attention it is important to let medical staff know of any mosquito bite in the past 14 days so they can test for West Nile Virus.”
MCHD recommends following the 3 Rs:
Reduce the number of mosquitoes by removing areas of standing water where mosquitoes breed, such as old tires or unused planting pots. This is recommended weekly. It takes only 7-10 days for Culex mosquito eggs to develop into biting adults.
Repel mosquitoes using insect repellent that includes DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil, or picaridin according to label instructions (consult a physician before using repellents on young children). You can also repel by wearing clothing that covers your skin, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Report dead birds that show no sign of injury to MCHD at (309) 888-5482. If it appears the bird could have died from a disease within the past 24 hours (no decay or insect infestation) MCHD may collect it and have it tested for WNV.
There have been positive test results in 48 Illinois counties thus far in 2024; one human case has been documented in Cook County.
Staff at MCHD will be going door-to-door in the area to provide door hangars with pertinent information on symptoms and preventative measures.
Jake Fogal can be reached at [email protected].
