The Macon County Health Department has received confirmation of the first mosquito batch testing positive for West Nile Virus.

Dengue Warning

FILE - This 2003 photo provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a female Aedes albopictus mosquito acquiring a blood meal from a human host. Dengue, a tropical illness caused by a virus, is spread by Aedes mosquitos, a type of warm weather insect that is expanding its geographic reach because of climate change, experts say. (James Gathany/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via AP, File)

 James Gathany

MACON COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) - The Macon County Health Department has received confirmation of the first mosquito batch testing positive for West Nile Virus.

This batch was collected by the Macon Mosquito Abatement District (MMAD) from a gravid mosquito trap.

Adult samples were RAMP (Rapid Analyte Measurement Platform) tested by the District. MMAD has tested 168 samples with one positive result.

The risk of infection is currently low. However, due to recent rainfall, the health department said it is likely there will be an increase in the mosquito population.

Be sure to check your property and drain/dump any standing water.

Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water, bare skin, and dark clothing.

It is recommended to follow the four D’s to help keep mosquitoes away:

  • Drain: Empty standing water every 5-7 days including watering dishes, bird baths, kiddie pools, etc.
  • Dress: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Defend: Properly apply an EPA-registered repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR 3535, oil of lemon, eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone. Oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol are not approved for use in children under the age of three. Insect repellents are not recommended for children younger than 2 months of age. Consult your physician before using repellents on young children or infants.
  • Dusk/Dawn: Avoid peak mosquito activity at dusk and dawn, when possible.

MMAD performs daily inspections within the district and continues to treat areas of standing water that contain mosquito larvae/pupae.

The MCHD also conducts surveillance of West Nile Virus in dead birds. Bird collections must be fully intact without decomposition or bugs. If you find a dead bird, call the Health Department at (217) 423-6988 ext. 1134 to report it.

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