Surveillance for sick and dead wild birds appears to be the best way of detecting the virus' activity. Persons who observe sick or dying crows, blue jays or raptors (such as hawks) should contact their local health department or district Illinois Department of Natural Resources office. While most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms of illness, some may become ill, usually three to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.
When people do become ill, symptoms may be mild, such as a fever or headache. In some individuals, however, particularly the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, West Nile virus can cause serious disease that includes inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), muscle weakness, high fever, convulsions, paralysis, coma or death.
Dr. Whitaker, state Public Health Director, has said the following steps should be taken to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes:
| Stay indoors at dawn, dusk and in the early evening when mosquitoes are most active. |
| Whenever outdoors during high-risk times, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. |
| Use mosquito repellent containing 25 percent to 35 percent DEET when it is necessary to be outdoors, applied sparingly to exposed skin or clothing as indicated on the repellent label. Consult a physician before using repellents on young children. |
| Check residential screens, including porches and patios, for tears and other openings. |
| Eliminate stagnant water in bird baths, ponds, flower pots, wading pools, old tires and other receptacles in which mosquitoes breed. |
More information on the West Nile virus is available at: