Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile in Jackson County | Health

MURPHYSBORO, IL (KFVS) - According to Jackson County health department officials, testing has identified the first positive West Nile virus batch of mosquitoes in Jackson County in 2012.  

Officials the mosquitoes were collected and tested on June 14.

Because West Nile virus activity in Culex mosquitoes increases during hot weather, health officials say personal protection against mosquitoes is particularly important during this time of the year.  Individuals can reduce their risk of West Nile illness and other mosquito-borne diseases by taking these precautions:

• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn.
• When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.
• Eliminate sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and any other receptacles.
• In communities where there are organized mosquito control programs, contact your municipal government to report areas of stagnant water in roadside ditches, flooded yards and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes.

Officials say West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. 

Eight other counties in Illinois had previously reported a batch of mosquitoes or bird positive for West Nile virus in 2012.  No human cases have been reported in Illinois this year. 

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