Mosquitoes in Jackson County test positive for West Nile virus

Routine mosquito testing has identified the first batch of mosquitoes positive for West Nile virus in Jackson County in 2022. 

The Jackson County Health Department reported in a news release that the mosquitoes were collected Aug. 16 near Murphysboro.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. 

One out of five people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience illness, with symptoms such as fever, nausea, headache and body aches within three to 14 days of the bite. 

In rare cases, illness such as encephalitis and meningitis, with lingering complications and even death, are possible.

The health department advised that area residents can reduce their risk of West Nile illness and other mosquito-borne diseases by practicing the three “R’s”: reduce, repel, report.

Reduce Exposure: avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn. Keep doors and windows closed. Eliminate sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, including wading pools, old tires, and other receptacles. Change bird bath water weekly.

Repel: when outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Apply EPA-registered insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535, according to label instructions.

Report: in communities where there are organized mosquito control programs, contact a municipal government to report areas of stagnant water in roadside ditches and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes.

 Jackson County residents are advised to call the health department at 618-684-3143, extension 128, to report sick or deceased crows, blue jays, robins or other perching birds. Officials will determine if the bird should be submitted to a lab for West Nile virus testing.