West Nile Virus Found in Mosquito at Berens Park

West Nile virus has been confirmed in a mosquito that was trapped at Berens Park, 493 Oaklawn Ave., the city of Elmhurst is reporting.

The DuPage County Health Department placed the trap at Berens, along with hundreds of others across the Chicago area, last spring. The infected mosquito was discovered Tuesday, Aug. 16.

The city contracts with Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management, which last performed a citywide mosquito spraying in all residential areas in Elmhurst Aug. 9. Clarke has been notified of the discovery of the virus in Elmhurst.

West Nile Virus can be serious in some members of the population. People older than 55 or with pre-existing health conditions are more at risk for serious illness. Severe infection (West Nile encephalitis or meningitis) might cause symptoms including neck stiffness, disorientation, convulsions, paralysis and even death.

For most people who contract the disease, however, symptoms are mild and include fever, headache, body aches, occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. 

The Illinois Department of Health is reporting only two human cases in the state and no deaths so far this year.

To protect yourself from mosquito bites, the DuPage Health Department recommends the following:

• When possible, avoid places and times when mosquitoes bite.
• Wear light-colored protective clothing that covers your arms and legs. Tuck the legs of pants into boots or socks and keep collars buttoned.
• Make sure door and window screens fit tightly, and repair any holes.
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors and around small babies for protection at all times.
• Use mosquito repellents with about 30 percent DEET (about 10 percent DEET for children age 2-12). Adults should supervise repellent use by children. Do not use any repellents on children under 2 years of age without consulting your doctor. Apply them to clothes whenever possible and apply sparingly to skin if the label permits. Wash repellent off daily. Do not apply over cuts or irritated skin or near the eyes, lips or nose.
• Do not rely on electric "bug zappers." They do little to reduce biting mosquitoes in an area.

For more information, visit the DuPage County Health Department Web site, or call (630) 682-7400.