The DeKalb County Health Department is warning citizens that protection against Culex mosquitoes, the night-prowling, West Nile virus-carrying version, is especially important during August and September.

DeKalb County Health Department’s public health administrator Karen Grush said the lack of rain this summer has helped control West Nile in DeKalb.

“(The virus) is now moving to the westward states,” she said.

The Health Department recommends citizens, when outdoors, pay particular attention during the times of dawn and dusk.

Recommendations include wearing shoes and socks, pants, a long-sleeved shirt and applying insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. DEET can be found in many mosquito repellents, but the formulas vary in effectiveness depending on the amount each contains. It is important to consult a physician before using these repellents on infants.

In the city of DeKalb there are no mosquito abatement taxes, which would be used to pay for mosquito abatement programs, Grush said. Although, larvicides have been placed in drains to kill off mosquito larvae, there is still much debate on the effectiveness of West Nile prevention pesticides.

With cases so few and sporadic, some find it hard to take seriously.

“I’m a little worried about the virus, but I probably won’t wear insect repellent, said Katie Sheriff, a sophomore undecided major. “I would be more likely to wear sunblock.”

Animal owners also have reasons to be wary of the West Nile virus.

Increasingly, more people are aware and cautious of the virus, especially animal owners, said Eric Mogren, an associate professor of history who specializes in western United States environmental issues. Horses are particularly hard hit. Forty percent of infected horses die, and they make up 99 percent of West Nile cases in animals.

“The virus affects the nervous system of the animal and can cause an infection of the brain, fever, poor coordination and muscle temperament and seizures,” said George Balster, a veterinarian and hospital director at Sycamore’s Bethany Animal Hospital.

Cases of the West Nile virus are still being reported in Illinois, though none have been in DeKalb County. As of Wednesday, Illinois has tallied 33 cases this year. This, compared to the 67 deaths and 884 cases that were reported in the state in 2002.

It is reported that 80 percent of people infected with the West Nile virus show no symptoms.

One out of the 150 people infected with West Nile develop illnesses that include a high fever, headache and body aches. Most people recover, but others have died.

Symptoms generally arise three to 14 days after a bite and, as with many medical issues, the young and old are most susceptible.

Birds are the main carriers of the disease.