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CHARLESTON – County health officials have confirmed for the first time the discovery of West Nile virus in Coles County.
A dead bird collected in Charleston has tested positive for mosquito-borne viruses, according to information from the Coles County Health Department.
Indications of the virus as "still a concern" but are more a warning to prevent mosquito bites and control their reproduction, said Gloria Spear, the department's director of environmental health.
With the case confirmed last month, residents in Charleston observed a blue jay behaving strangely, appearing to be lethargic and having trouble standing up, said Spear.
When the bird died, he was brought to the Ministry of Health for testing, which led to confirmation, she said. She pointed out that blue jays, crows and other birds in their family are among the most susceptible to the virus.
She also said the ministry is waiting for confirmation of the virus infection by a county resident.
The presence of West Nile virus is quite common and the County Health Department has had confirmed cases in the past, although there were none in the past year, Spear said.
People infected with the virus may have fever, nausea, headaches and muscle aches.
Spear said that they usually healed and that some people could be infected with the virus without showing any symptoms. Children and people aged 50 and over are at higher risk for serious illness, she said.
Several measures can help prevent exposure to the virus by reducing the risk of mosquito bites, Spear added.
She said the Ministry of Health encourages the use of what are known as the three "Rs": reduce exposure, repel mosquitoes and report breeding sites.
The property must be inspected for stagnant water, as a "very small amount" is all that mosquitoes need to reproduce, she said. The ministry's recommendations also included:
- Do not be outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active and ensure that doors and windows are well sealed to prevent insects from entering.
- Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts and apply an insect repellent when you go out.
- Contact municipal governments with mosquito control programs to report stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed.
The Department of Health has also indicated that dead birds can be picked up and reported until Monday by taking them to the department at 825-18, Charleston, or 217-348-0530.
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