The Egyptian Health Department has announced that they have collected batches of West Nile positive mosquitoes in Saline, Gallatin, and White Counties.
People who observe a sick or dying crow, blue jay, robin, or other perching bird should contact the Egyptian Health Department, which will determine whether to pick the bird up for testing.
Common symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches. In rare cases, severe illness can occur, including meningitis and encephalitis. Symptoms can last from a few days to a few weeks.
The Egyptian Health Department encourage residents to practice the three R’s: reduce, repel, and report.
Reduce your chances of being infected by making sure windows and doors have tight fitting screeens and try to keep windows and doors shut. Also, make sure your property is free of any standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
Repel mosquitoes by wearing clothing that covers skin and use insect repellents when outdoors.
And report locations where you see standing water that can breed mosquitoes to local government and to the Egyptian Health Department.
For more information, contact your local Egyptian Health Department office or visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website.
