Latest news with #Culex
UPI
5 days ago
- Health
- UPI
First West Nile case of 2025 hits Illinois
Officials reported that Illinois confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus this year. Photo by Adobe Stock/HealthDay News Illinois has confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus this year, health officials say. The person, who lives in southern Illinois, was hospitalized with complications from the mosquito-borne virus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is the earliest West Nile virus case reported in Illinois since 2016. Health officials say it's a sign that mosquito season is off to an early start and that people should take steps to protect themselves, WGN reported. "The fact that we are seeing the first human case of West Nile virus so early in the season serves as a timely reminder - especially for seniors and those with weakened immune systems - to protect yourself from illnesses caused by mosquito bites," Dr. Sameer Vohra, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) said. West Nile virus spreads through the bite of a Culex mosquito - also known as a house mosquito - that has gotten the virus while feeding on an infected bird. Most people who get the virus don't have any symptoms. But some may have fever, nausea, headaches or muscle aches that last from a few days to several weeks. In rare cases, the virus can cause serious health problems like paralysis or meningitis. People over 60 or those with weak immune systems are more likely to get very sick. About 1 in every 150 people infected develops severe symptoms that can affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves. So far in 2025, mosquitoes carrying the virus have been found in 19 counties across Illinois. The first batch of virus-positive mosquitoes this year was discovered in Rockford, Ill., on May 9. In 2024, the state had 69 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus, including 13 deaths - the highest number of deaths since 2018, WGN reported. A county is considered "positive" for the virus if it's found in a mosquito, horse or person living there. Illinois counties reporting the virus this year include: Bureau, Christian, Clinton, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Hancock, Henry, Marshall, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Scott, Stark, Tazewell, Wayne and Winnebago. Last year, West Nile virus was found in 72 of Illinois' 102 counties, WGN said. The Illinois Department of Public Health reminds people to "Fight the Bite" with the "Three R's": REDUCE places where mosquitoes breed. Get rid of standing water in flowerpots, old tires, bird baths and wading pools. Fix torn screens and keep doors and windows closed if possible. REPEL mosquitoes by wearing long sleeves, pants and insect repellent. Use products with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR 3535, para-menthane-diol (PMD) or 2-undecanone. Always follow label directions, and ask your doctor before using repellents on babies. REPORT standing water that doesn't drain for more than a week, such as roadside ditches or flooded yards. Your local health department may be able to treat the area to stop mosquitoes from breeding. More information The Cleveland Clinic has more on West Nile virus. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Waste accumulation in Chokkikulam channel irks residents
The channel running through Ramamoorthy Road and P.T. Rajan Road in Chokkikulam has witnessed a gradual accumulation of waste over the years, with residents expressing concerns about poor sanitation and mosquito breeding. Plastic wrappers, polythene bags, glass shards, and fallen vegetation have built up along the stretch. A long-time resident said that the channel was last cleared several months ago following a water blockage, but has since remained unattended. 'There is a mix of plastic waste and dried branches. Occasionally, there is a foul odour. We have had to rely on mosquito nets and repellents to manage,' he added. Further, the resident observed that although the channel was cleaned ahead of Deepavali in 2024, waste began accumulating again soon after. 'The channel was designed to allow smooth flow of rainwater, but that purpose is being overlooked. There's a need for greater awareness and regulatory measures to prevent further dumping,' the resident added. A local shopkeeper pointed out that mosquitoes were a persistent issue. 'It's something everyone here struggles with, especially in the evenings,' he noted. A staff member at a nearby school attributed the dumping to limited awareness of proper waste disposal. 'Many people don't know where the garbage bins are located. Both households and commercial establishments often dispose of waste directly into the channel,' she explained, adding that the issue appeared to stem more from behaviour than infrastructure. When contacted, City Health Officer P. Indhira said fogging and the use of oil balls were being carried out in the area as preventive measures to curb the breeding of Culex mosquitoes. Ward 32 councillor M. Vijaya Moushumi stated that the channel was cleaned around six months ago. 'There is a plan for it to be cleaned again, but the timeline and other details are yet to be determined,' she said. K. Devi Meenakshi
Wales Online
20-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Everyone with blackbirds in their garden asked to take urgent action
Everyone with blackbirds in their garden asked to take urgent action There has been a serious decline in the population because of a virus Blackbirds are being threatened by a virus (Image: Pexels ) UK families are being urged to take urgent action in their gardens as the deadly mosquito-borne Usutu virus threatens blackbird numbers nationwide. Ecologists are calling on households to make small changes that can have a big impact on protecting one of the most recognisable and best-loved garden birds in the country. Data has revealed a 40% decline in blackbirds in Greater London since the virus was first detected in 2020 - and with climate change helping mosquitoes expand their range, experts warn the problem is only set to grow. Carried by the Culex pipiens mosquito - the common house mosquito - Usutu virus does not affect humans in the UK, but is often fatal to birds - especially blackbirds, which are particularly vulnerable to infection. With longer summers, warmer temperatures and heavier rainfall creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, ecologists are warning that climate change is helping diseases like Usutu gain a foothold in the UK for the first time. The virus is now well established in Britain's wild bird population and further declines in some species are expected unless action is taken to limit additional pressures like habitat loss and food scarcity. Now, ecological experts at Arbtech are encouraging families to support one of Britain's most common garden visitors, whose numbers are under threat. Article continues below A spokesperson for Arbtech said: 'Blackbirds are more than just a familiar visitor to our gardens - they're important seed dispersers and insect predators, helping to regulate pest populations and support healthy ecosystems. 'But they're under real pressure. Diseases like Usutu virus, which can cause tremors, disorientation and even sudden death in infected birds, are an emerging threat - and many people still don't realise the impact it's already having. 'The good news is that households with even a small garden can make a real difference. Simple actions like planting native shrubs, providing clean water and avoiding pesticides all help create safer, healthier habitats for blackbirds to feed, nest and thrive.' Seven ways to help protect blackbirds in your garden Plant for shelter and food Growing native trees and shrubs like hawthorn, dogwood or elder gives blackbirds cover and natural food sources. You can also leave some leaf litter or logs to encourage insects for blackbirds to eat. Offer fresh water daily Birds need clean water for drinking and bathing. Use shallow dishes or birdbaths and scrub them out regularly to avoid the spread of disease. Avoid pesticides and chemicals Slug pellets and weedkillers harm insect populations and can poison birds. Instead, try to choose organic or wildlife-friendly alternatives. Numbers have dropped (Image: Pexels ) Disinfect feeders and tables Clean all bird feeders and feeding stations at least once a week to reduce the risk of spreading disease between birds. Report signs of disease If you spot sick or dead birds, report it to Garden Wildlife Health or the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), as early reporting helps track outbreaks like Usutu. Symptoms of Usutu virus in blackbirds can vary, but infected birds often show signs of serious neurological and physical distress. Article continues below Common symptoms include lethargy or weakness, loss of coordination, unsteady movement, disorientation or unusual behaviour (like not fleeing from humans), tremors, seizures, and fluffed-up feathers - a common sign of illness in birds). Build wildlife corridors Leave gaps in fences or plant hedgerows to help blackbirds and other species safely move between gardens. Source garden products carefully Imported bird boxes or bee hotels may introduce pests or pathogens. Choose UK made or naturally sourced items where possible.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mosquito-borne West Nile virus found in Tazewell County
MORTON, Ill. (WMBD) — Officials have confirmed a mosquito pool collected in Tazewell County has tested positive for West Nile virus. The pool was reportedly collected on Tuesday, June 10 in Morton before being tested on Wednesday at the Tazewell County Health Department. According to the Tazewell County Health Department, West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. Most people who are infected do not experience symptoms, but if symptoms are present, mild cases may cause a slight fever or headache. The Tazewell County Health Department said more severe cases may result in a fast-developing high fever with head and body aches, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, and in some severe cases, paralysis or death. The health department also said symptoms typically happen from three to 14 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. People 60 years or older are at the highest risk for serious illness associated with West Nile Virus. While the pool was collected in Morton, anyone within the area are urged to use precautions. The department conducts regular testing of mosquito pools throughout Tazewell County and encourages residents to do what they can to help prevent the spread of West Nile virus. The health department encourages residents to follow 'The 3 R's for Protecting Against Mosquitoes': Reduce: Reduce the number of mosquitoes by reporting eliminating instances ofstanding water (water that has sat in the same spot for more than 7-10 days). These areasare breeding grounds for mosquitoes and for West Nile Virus. This can include keepingoutdoor trash cans closed so they do not fill with rainwater; getting rid of old tires, tincans, buckets, drums, bottles, or any other water-holding containers; and emptying plasticwading pools at least once a week and storing indoors when not in use. Repel: Repel mosquitoes by using the proper insect repellent. Use a repellent containingDEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. When possible, avoid being outdoors fromdusk to dawn. This is when mosquitoes are most active. If you are outside during thesetimes, wear loose-fitting, light-colored, and long-sleeved tops and long pants made oftightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin. Report: Report instances of standing water that have sat for more than 7-10 days. Toreport standing water in Tazewell County, head to TCHD's standing water report form. For more information on West Nile virus, you can visit the Illinois Department of Public Health's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Windsor sets mosquito traps around town as part of summer management program
DENVER (KDVR) — The Town of Windsor says it set up 14 mosquito traps in 'various locations' around town as part of its 'high-performing' comprehensive mosquito control program this summer. The town is partnering with Vector Disease Control International for the program, which includes adult mosquito surveillance, field inspections and control applications, Windsor said Wednesday. Did you know? Dogs can be an official witness at weddings in Colorado The mosquito control program begins in June and typically runs through August, the town said. 'The Town of Windsor and VDCI are committed to continue approaching mosquito management from a data-driven perspective, spraying as necessary throughout the season to reduce the chances of humans contracting West Nile Virus,' Windsor said in a news release. The mosquito traps are monitored on a weekly basis, while treatment is determined by mosquito population data, according to the town, which said mosquitoes caught by the traps are counted and identified by species. Denver weather: After days of rain, how do totals compare to last year? Control applications are also performed in areas where traps catch 100 adult mosquitoes or more, while field technicians also 'regularly' inspect standing water sources, the town said. Mosquitos identified as Culex mosquitoes, which carry the West Nile Virus, are tested by the Weld County and Larimer County health departments for the presence of the disease. Windsor is advising residents to help control the mosquito population this summer by regularly checking their properties for standing water — including clogged drains, puddles, vehicle tires, flowerpots and kiddie pools, among other things. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
