Jun 18, 2009 5:12 pm US/Central
Chicago Area Taking Precautions Against West Nile
HAMMOND, Ind. (CBS) ―
The official start of summer is just a few days away, and that also means we're at a higher risk for West Nile virus.
So far, we haven't had the hot, dry temperatures in which the disease thrives, but experts say it's far too early to predict whether this will be a particularly difficult year for West-Nile infected mosquitoes.
CBS 2's Derrick Blakley reports, regardless of our weather right now, preparations are being made around the Chicago area to battle the bugs – even in one town where there's been a lot less done in the past.
"People don't realize what a little mosquito can do. It can take your life away," said West Nile victim Frank Dupey.
Two years ago, Dupey's life changed forever when he was bitten by a West Nile-infected mosquito. He suffered memory loss as a result and has little recall of his career on Hammond's police force, or his eight years as police chief. And, there's the ongoing physical rehab.
"Within the last 2 months, I learned to climb stairs, before that, if there were stairs, I couldn't go there," Dupey said.
Hammond on Thursday unveiled its first mosquito abatement program in 30 years, which will include not just spraying streets on a regular basis, but also killing larvae in catch basins and sewers.
"Obviously, to protect the city from hatching in places where mosquitoes can breed," said Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott.
It's the same process Chicago's been performing for years, more effective than spraying, they say, because it kills the critters before they're old enough to bite.
Crews also collect mosquitoes in dozens of traps citywide, and check for West Nile infection in the lab.
"In recent weeks, the virus has been detected in the suburbs. Most likely, we'll see it in the city as well," said Chicago Health Commissioner Dr. Terry Mason.
Our heavy rains have helped to flush out roadside ditches and catch basins, but it's too early to say if this we'll have to endure a mosquito-heavy summer.
"The worst possible scenario is a cool wet, spring, followed by a hot, dry summer," said entomologist Dr. Dan Markowski. "Those conditions get lots of larvae early and allow them to proliferate."
Still, Dupey knows it's folly to ignore potential West Nile dangers.
"I didn't think West Nile was that bad but it will put you in the grave if you don't get immediate care," he said.
Again, the best advice is to do all you can to rid your home and yard of standing water where mosquitoes breed – old tires, buckets, even a child's Frisbee.
The danger of West Nile is usually worst on late summer evenings. Still, it's always best to wear long sleeves and use insect repellent with DEET during the mosquito season.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Jewish Celebrities
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
