(Undated) – With the first official case of West Nile virus confirmed in the state recently the Crawford County Health Departments is reminding you to stay safe and protect yourself from mosquitoes. According to the Health Department, although mosquito-borne disease is rare in Illinois, mosquitoes can carry at least three encephalitis viruses that can cause human disease. The most effective way to avoid West Nile and all other mosquito transmitted disease is to prevent mosquito bites. Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Wear long sleeves and pants from dusk through dawn when many mosquitoes are most active. Install or repair screens on windows and doors. If you have it, use your air conditioning. Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home, empty standing water from containers around your home and yard.
