High temperatures and the overall dry summer weather are largely to blame for an increase of West Nile Virus infections, Evanston health officials said this week.
Five Evanston residents have been infected by the West Nile Virus since mid-August–the highest number of infections since health officials reported 30 cases and one death in 2002.
West Nile is most often spread through a mosquito that bites an infected bird and then passes it on to a person. Some people experience no symptoms. Some feel like they have the flu. For others, West Nile can be deadly.
The most recent victim, a 56-year-old man, was confirmed Wednesday. All five residents live in North Evanston.
A 77-year-old woman was the first to contract West Nile in mid-August. She and the other patients are believed to have recovered fully, said Jay Terry, director of Health and Human Services Evanston.
“We had a hot, dry summer,”Terry said, adding that the virus thrives in such conditions. “It’s worse than than the past two years, but no where near as bad as 2002.”
City officials have taken precautions to avoid a West Nile outbreak by killing mosquito larvae before they mature and keeping track of Evanston mosquito population, Terry said.
Infection rates usually peak in August and September. Terry said he hopes cooler weather will drive the number of West Nile cases back down.
Officials at the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District administered larvacide to standing water, which can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
David Zazra, communications manager for the abatement district, said Evanston was sprayed repeatedly during the summer to attempt to avoid infection rates like those witnessed in 2002.
The spraying will continue until the first major temperature drop or freeze. The district also sprayed insecticides for 11 other Illinois cities.
The number of complaints city officials received for dead or infected birds increased slightly this year. West Nile infection numbers rose from one reported case in both 2004 and 2003. Zazra said people fail to protect themselves when enjoying the outdoors.
“People still aren’t taking the precautions they need to take,”he said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that one in 150 people infected with the virus will experience high fever, stupor, muscle weakness, loss of sight, and paralysis–ailments that can last for weeks.
Others may experience less serious symptoms, such as fever, bouts of vomiting, skin rash or swollen lymph glands. However, about 80 percent of those in contact with West Nile will suffer no symptoms at all.
Victims who also suffer from a weak immune systems and senior citizens are most at risk. Wearing insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts and pants during the early morning and late afternoon can provide some protection from mosquito bites and possible West Nile infection.
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