The DuPage County Health Department last week reported the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the County in 2017. The case is a male resident of Glen Ellyn in his 50s.
A recent increase in mosquito batches testing positive for the presence of WNV prompted the DuPage County Health Department to encourage county residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites and the risk of contracting WNV.
The best way to prevent WNV is to avoid mosquito bites and follow the four Ds of defense:
·Drain:Drain those items that collect standing water around your home, yard or business. Scrub and refill pet water dishes and bird baths regularly.
·Defend:Use an insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors and reapply according to directions.
· Dress:Wear long pants, long sleeves and closed-toe shoes when outside to cover the skin.
· Dusk to Dawn:Wear repellent outdoors during these prime times for mosquito activity.
The current level is 2: Moderate Risk, defined as high numbers of infected mosquitoes in most areas, at least one confirmed human case. Residents can check the Personal Protection Index (PPI) on the Health Department’s website at dupagehealth.org/PPI for the most up-to-date information on WNV activity.
The PPI provides residents with a current snapshot of WNV activity, ranging from zero to three, with zero being no activity and three announcing multiple human cases of WNV in DuPage County. The PPI is updated every Wednesday at 3 p.m. by Health Department staff during the surveillance season, and will change to match the risk level determined for that period.
WNV activity generally decreases in the fall when cooler temperatures arrive and especially after the first frost of the season.
