McLean County Warns of West Nile Risk After 1 Week of Heavy Rain

1 articles · Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Aug 19

McLean County health officials said last week’s substantial rainfall will drive a sharp mosquito increase, raising the risk of West Nile virus spreading to people.
West Nile is carried by birds and transmitted by mosquitoes; officials said many cases start with flu-like symptoms such as headache, low fever, muscle and joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.
Severe infections can progress to encephalitis—brain inflammation that can cause intense headaches and permanent damage—prompting officials to urge quick medical attention if symptoms appear.
Four repellent ingredients—DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535—were recommended, along with long sleeves, long pants and avoiding outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk.