To report a
problem or concern such as a dead crow, stagnant water, or non-used swimming
pool
Please contact Brian Smith at the Code Enforcement Office
708-210-2915 or bsmith@southholland.org
What is the Village's Plan?
The Village of South Holland has been actively treating for West Nile Virus
a long time prior to its discovery in our area. The Code Enforcement
Department as well as the Parks Department have Licensed Pesticide Applicators
on staff. They have been treating private property as well as all the
Village owned public property for the prevention of Culex Pipiens, the known
carrier of the West Nile Virus. The Village has an excellent
working relationship with the South Cook County Mosquito Abatement District who
treats the Village sewer drains as well as identified areas throughout the
village such as river beds, retention areas and many other areas that they
consider a potential breeding ground.
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, and develop into adult mosquitoes in
3 - 7 days.
Residents can treat water themselves with a Mosquito Dunk, which is available at local
garden centers. A Mosquito Dunk looks like a floating donut that is placed
in the water. It will help get rid of mosquitoes before they can
develop. It contains a bacteria that kills only mosquito larvae. It
will not hurt fish, plants, animals, or humans who drink the water.
The Village can also treat stagnant water, catch basins (backyard drains), and
swimming pools, so please notify the Code Enforcement Office if you notice a
possible problem.
What is West Nile Virus? (WNV)
WNV is an infection carried by mosquitoes. WNV may have entered the
United States through an infected traveler, bird or mosquito and first appeared on the east coast in 1999.
Mosquitoes become infected with WNV when they feed on birds that carry the virus in their blood. Once infected, the mosquito can
spread the virus to humans and animals. People get WNV from the bite of an
infected mosquito.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus
Most people infected with WNV will not have any symptoms or ever become
ill. Some people may become ill 3-15 days after being bitten by an
infected mosquito.
Symptoms include fever, headache and body aches. More severe symptoms may
be a high fever, stiff neck, confusion and muscle weakness.
Who can get West Nile Virus?
Anybody can become infected with WNV so it's important to protect yourself
from mosquito bites by following the important information listed on this
page. People over the age of 50 and those with chronic diseases such as
heart disease or cancer may be more at-risk for serious illness. Most
human cases occur in the late summer and early fall.
Treatment
As of now, no specific treatment or vaccine for WNV exists. In severe cases,
hospitalization may be necessary. If you believe you may have been
infected, call your doctor.
How can I fight the bite?
- Limit time outdoors when mosquito activity is heaviest - dusk to dawn.
- If outside, wear socks, shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
Loose fitting, light colored clothing is best.
- Use repellents containing 25-35% DEET. Always follow label directions.
- Talk to your doctor before applying repelent to infants or children.
- Protect babies and small children by using mosquito netting over strollers.
Don't allow mosquitoes to breed!
- Get rid of old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles or other
containers that can hold water from your property.
- Empty plastic wading pools weekly or store upside down when not in use.
- Change water every few days in bird baths and plant saucers.
- Store boats covered or upside down.
- Water bowls for pets should be emptied and refilled daily.
- Keep weeds and grass cut short.
- Be sure screens in homes are in good repair and tight fitting.
- Keep gutters around your home clean and in good repair.
What if I find a dead bird?
Monitoring dead bird locations is very important. The presence of dead
birds in a community is a sign of possible WNV in the area.
If you find a dead crow with a wingspan of greater than
12", please notify the Code Enforcement Office at 210-2915.
For More Information
Cook County Department of Public Heath:
Health Alert Hotline: 708-492-2185
http://www.cookcountypublichealth.org
Environmental Health Services Unit:
708-492-2035
The Illinois Department of Public Health:
http://www.idph.state.il.us
National Center for Infectious Diseases:
PO Box 2087, Fort Collins, CO 80522
Email: dvbid@cdc.gov
Website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/dvbid.htm
The Weather Channel's Mosquito Activity Forecast
http://www.weather.com/outlook/homeandgarden/mosquito/forecast/60473