Abatement District offers mosquito season update for 2011
The West Chicago Mosquito Abatement District has released its 2011 Mosquito Season Update.
The update includes information on the West Nile Virus (WNV), with an overview on the efforts of the district to control nuisance mosquitoes, reduce the potential of mosquito-borne disease transmission and provide a comfortable and healthy atmosphere for district residents.
The report from the WCMAD which follows also includes tips that can help people in the fight against the West Nile Virus.
West Nile Virus Update
Since 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) has rapidly spread across the United States causing over 30,500 human cases during the decade. Because WNV is so widespread in bird and mosquito populations, the virus has become established as an annual mosquito-borne disease threat.
In 2010, the state of Illinois recorded 61 human cases of WNV, significantly up from 5 in 2009 and 20 in 2008. The total number of cases in United States reached 981, including 45 fatalities in 2010.
The following are the top states that recorded the most WNV cases in 2010 in descending order: AZ, NY, CA, TX, CO, IL, NE, NJ, PA and MI. Arizona recorded the highest case count of 163.
In 2010, DuPage County recorded 17 human WNV cases (including 2 fatalities), compared to none in 2009, and 1 in 2008. Intensive mosquito population surveillance is performed by the State of Illinois Department of Health, DuPage County, and Clarke Mosquito Control.
Overall in 2010, surveillance confirmed 5 birds and 244 adult mosquito samples positive for WNV within DuPage County. This ongoing research continues to demonstrate that the potential exists for significant WNV activity within DuPage County.
Clarke Mosquito Control will maintain close contact with the Centers for Disease Control, Illinois Department of Public Health, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, and the DuPage County Health Department regarding West Nile virus data and trends during the 2011 season.
Symptoms of the disease are initially similar to the flu, with muscle weakness and disorientation. Though the majority of those infected will have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, in some individuals, West Nile Virus can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and in severe cases, paralysis, coma or death. The disease is most serious – even fatal – in those with compromised immune systems and the elderly.
West Chicago M.A.D. Program Overview
The City of West Chicago is within the boundary of the twenty-seven (27) square mile, West Chicago Mosquito Abatement District (WCMAD). The objectives of the WCMAD are to control nuisance mosquitoes, reduce the potential of mosquito-borne disease transmission, and provide a comfortable and healthy atmosphere for district residents. The primary targets of the program are the floodwater mosquito (Aedes vexans) – the dominant nuisance species, and the northern house mosquito (Culex pipiens) – the potential disease carrier.
Environmentally sensitive and effective mosquito control is accomplished within the WCMAD utilizing Integrated Pest Management (IPM), an approach that includes the following components: larval site monitoring, biological control, and the careful and strategic use of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency labeled and registered pesticide products.
In WCMAD's IPM approach, potential and historical larval sites are frequently inspected, biological control agents (fish, insect growth regulators, and Bacillus bacteria byproducts) are utilized whenever possible. The adult mosquito population is scientifically monitored; pesticides are strategically applied only when necessary. The key is to concentrate on larval control within the district boundary, scientifically assess the adult population, and perform adulticiding only on an as needed basis.
What Can Residents Do?
According to Clarke Mosquito Control, our partners in mosquito control, individuals can take the following steps to protect themselves against infection and assist in the fight against West Nile Virus:
If outdoors when mosquitoes are active, dress in light-colored, long-sleeved clothing, long pants and socks when outdoors during prime mosquito hours. Apply mosquito repellent with DEET to clothing and exposed skin in accordance with label directions.
Discard any outdoor container that might hold water, or empty water from wading pools and birdbaths once a week.
Residents should mulch rather than dump grass clippings into low lying areas that collect water.
Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house so adult mosquitoes will not hide there.
Since dead birds (crows, blue jays and raptors) can be the first warning that West Nile Virus is present in the area, report dead birds on your property to the DuPage County Health Department.
For the latest information on West Nile Virus, consult the Illinois Department of Health website at www.idph.state.il.us, or the DuPage County Health Department website.