<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=31aXqr_0vjCiUGT00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=31aXqr_0vjCiUGT00" width="1200" height="322" >MADISON COUNTY — Changing from the heated summer months to the cooler conditions of autumn does not mean residents of Madison County can relax their protective measures against West Nile Virus, a potentially deadly disease found and proliferated in mosquitoes.This was a message made clear at a recent meeting of the Madison County Health Department Committee chaired by Stacey Pace of Troy. Amanda Pruitt, the county’s health services director, explained that the vector surveillance program which monitors the presence of West Nile Virus has shown its positive presence continuing into September as she described this as something which is not unexpected.Reporting on behalf of the county’s public health administrator, Doug King, who was attending a conference when this committee meeting was held, Pruitt said, “We know that West Nile is endemic in our area” while mentioning the surveillance creates an awareness that mosquitoes here are carrying it.The surveillance efforts also involve humans, but Pruitt provided assurances that thus far no cases like this have been discovered.She added that it was important, even during this time of year, for the public to be aware about the significance of using authorized repellants, wearing long sleeves, long pants and eliminating situations where standing water exists whenever possible to reduce the potential for mosquito bites.To reduce the risk of West Nile illness and other mosquito-borne diseases, follow these guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health to help control mosquito breeding areas:-Remove or empty water in old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles or other places where mosquitoes might breed;-Clean rain gutters and downspouts; -Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store indoors when not in use; -Change the water in birdbaths and plant pots or drip trays at least once a week; -Store boats covered or upside down, or remove rainwater weekly; -Empty your pet’s water bowl daily; -Level the ground around your home so water can run off and not collect in low spots; -Fill in holes or depressions near your home that accumulate water; -Keep weeds and tall grass cut short as adult mosquitoes look for these shady places to rest during the hot daylight hours;-Maintain aeration unit discharges to prevent stagnant water. </div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

West Nile Virus Still Present in County

MADISON COUNTY — Changing from the heated summer months to the cooler conditions of autumn does not mean residents of Madison County can relax their protective measures against West Nile Virus, a potentially deadly disease found and proliferated in mosquitoes. This was a message made clear at a recent...