DECATUR IL – Macon County Health Department says a total of 23 batches of West Nile Virus are now confirmed. Two confirmed cases of West Nile in birds in Macon County, show more risk for human cases. Currently no human cases have been reported in Macon County, there have been 26 cases in the state of Illinois.
The campaign for West Nile Virus is encouraging residents to get rid of any standing water around their homes. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the mosquitoes that typically carry West Nile Virus, commonly called the house mosquito, are not as noticeable as the swarms of floodwater mosquitoes we see during rainy summers.
If you find a dead bird please call the health department at 217-423-6988, ext: 1134 to report it.
Here are some tips from the Health Department to keep mosquitos away:
- STAY indoors at dawn, dusk and in the early evening when mosquitoes are most active.
- If you go outdoors, wear shoes, socks, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. Loose-fitting, light colored clothing is best.
- USE insect repellent containing 25-35% DEET when outdoors, applied sparingly to exposed skin or clothing, as indicated on the repellent label. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that repellents used on children contain no more that 10% DEET, the active ingredient in mosquito repellents. Consult your physician before using repellents on young children or infants.
- MAKE sure window and door screens are "bug tight."
