News from the Village of Arlington Heights
Protecting Against the West Nile Virus
August 23, 2012
The West Nile Virus has again been confirmed in batches of mosquitoes found throughout the Northwest region including Arlington Heights. The virus is transmitted through the bite of the Culex mosquito, which picks up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.
Residents are urged to avoid mosquito bites by reducing their exposure to mosquitoes when mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn, by wearing insect repellent, and by eliminating areas of stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed.
Areas where stagnant water can collect include:
- bird baths
- depressed areas in the lawn
- artificial ponds
- flowerpots
- clogged gutters
- tarps
- any containers capable of holding water
- auto tires
To control the mosquito population, the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District (NWMAD) will continue its night-time spraying operations in Arlington Heights and throughout the region. NWMAD controls 242 square miles of northwest Cook County in the townships of Wheeling, Palatine, Barrington, Hanover, Schaumburg, Elk Grove, Northfield and Maine. The Village of Arlington Heights includes Wheeling and Elk Grove Townships. For information on the nighttime spraying schedule, visit the Abatement District's schedule.
Symptoms of the West Nile Virus include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. However, four out of five people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. People older than 50, or with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile Virus.
Additional information about West Nile Virus can be found on the following website links:
www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm.
http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnvgenpublic.htm
http://www.cookcountypublichealth.org/west-nile-virus
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm