2007 Press Release: West Nile Virus

For immediate release
May 14, 2007

The Cook County Department of Public Health will be collecting and submitting dead birds for testing for the West Nile Virus. In order to be tested, birds cannot be dead longer than 24-hours and must be in good condition (NO signs of attack, decay and road kill). Birds that can be submitted for testing include:

Residents must contact the Cook County Public Health Department WNV hotline at 708-492-2650, or send an email from www.cookcountypublichealth.org, to submit birds.

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne infection. Mosquitoes are infected by the virus from feeding on infected birds. Individuals can get the virus if an infected mosquito bites them. The virus is not spread by person-to-person contact or directly from birds to people. Residents should use prevention methods when outdoors such as avoiding the outdoors between dusk and dawn; applying DEET (per label instructions) insect repellant; and wearing shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeved shirts.

Residents are also asked to eliminate mosquitoes around their homes by the following ways:

• Dispose of, or regularly empty, any containers, (i.e. ceramic pots) that accumulate water.
• Keep grass and shrubbery cut short.
• Clean clogged roof gutters of leaves or debris that prevents rainwater drainage.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and eliminate old tires.
• Change water in birdbaths every 2-3 days and aerate ornamental ponds or supply them with fish.
• Chlorinate swimming pools often and cover when not in use. Remove standing water from pool covers.
• Check for and repair any holes or tears in window or door screens.

For further information on WNV, contact the Illinois Department of Health at (toll free) 866-369-9710, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

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