West Chicago mosquito abatement update
The West Chicago Mosquito Abatement District has recently provided the City of West Chicago with its 2012 Mosquito Season Update. This report includes important information on West Nile Virus and measures that residents can take to protect themselves from mosquito-borne disease transmission. The report follows:
West Nile Virus Update
Since 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) has rapidly spread across the United States causing over 31,000 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 2011, the State of Illinois recorded 34 human cases of WNV, significantly down from 61 in 2010 and 5 in 2009. The total number of cases in United States reached 690, including 43 fatalities in 2011. The following are the top states that recorded the most WNV cases in 2011 in descending order: CA, AZ, MS, NY, IL, MI, NE, TX, FL, and OH. California recorded the highest case count of 155.
In 2011, DuPage County recorded 2 human WNV cases (including 1 fatality), compared to 17 in 2010, and none in 2009. Intensive mosquito population surveillance is performed by the State of Illinois Department of Health, DuPage County, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and Clarke Mosquito Control. Overall in 2011, surveillance confirmed 0 birds and 114 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 2012 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.
Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house so adult mosquitoes will not hide there.
Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house so adult mosquitoes will not hide there.
Do not dump grass clippings into low lying areas that collect water after rainfalls to prevent mosquito larvae development. The use of mulching lawnmowers is encouraged to eliminate grass clipping disposal.
Report dead birds on your property to the DuPage County Health Department. Dead birds (crows, blue jays and raptors) can be the first indicators of the presence of West Nile Virus in the area.
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 at http://www.dupagehealth.org/ehs/wnv/surv.asp.
Mosquito Hotline
District residents are encouraged to report standing water areas that could develop larvae, and excessive mosquito annoyance conditions. The calls should be made to WCMAD's contractor, Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management, Inc. of Roselle, on the MOSQUITO HOTLINE @ 1-800-942-2555.
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