Back in 2002, Illinois led the country when it came to illness in death relating to West Nile virus. Since then, Illinois has built a robust surveillance for the virus, says Warren County Health Department administrator Jenna Link.
“Surveillance typically runs from May to October. It entails collecting dead birds and testing them for West Nile virus. It also entails setting traps and trapping mosquitoes and testing them for West Nile virus,” said Link.
She adds that if you find a dead perching birds or crows with no signs as to why it is dead, to call the Warren County Health Department to be tested.
Mosquitoes typically only fly within a mile of where they lay eggs.
“So, if you are seeing a lot of mosquito’s looks for containers that are holding water and eliminate that standing water,” said Link. “The other thing, we purchased Natular DT. They are tablets that homeowners can get from us, and you can put them into containers that hold water, and it will treat it for up to 60 days. It helps eliminate and prevent larvae from becoming adult mosquitoes and biting.”
Natular DT is free through the health department. You can call 309-734-1314 for more information.
Written by Kailey Foster.
