The newest disease to alarm America, the West Nile virus, not only is receiving national attention, but also attention in DeKalb County.

DeKalb County public health administrator Karen Grush recently released information about a DeKalb County man who has been infected with the virus and outlined what citizens of DeKalb County can do to combat the disease.

“The most effective way to prevent the spreading of the disease is to eliminate any stagnate water around your house. All you have to do is dump out the water and let it dry out,” Grush said.

Standing water can collect almost anywhere. This makes it necessary for everyone to examine the area where they live.

“Check around your house and eliminate any places with standing water. That could be a flower pot, or something like that. Bird baths should be emptied twice a week, really,” said Julie Robertson, associate professor in the school of nursing.

Currently, DeKalb County does not spray or fog for mosquitoes, and there is no plan to do so in the near future, Grush said.

“It makes people feel good seeing the spraying, but the experts say it isn’t that effective. It is far more important to protect themselves when outside,” Grush said.

Grush also said that spraying only kills mosquitoes if the spray hits it directly.

“The best thing to do is avoid mosquito bites. What’s being recommended is using insect repellent with DEET. Also to wear long sleave shirts and long pants when outside,” Robertson said.

The level of DEET in insect repellent that is advised varies depending on the age of the person.

Public health officials are recommending that adults use repellents which contain between 25 and 35 percent DEET. More than this does not increase the level of protection and can cause irritation.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mosquito repellents used on children should not contain more than 10 percent of DEET and should not be used on small children.

“Avoid peak times where mosquitoes are present. These are dawn, dusk and early evening,” Robertson said.

Robertson also recommends that mosquito netting be placed over infant carriers when outdoors and to repair damaged window and door screens.

For more information, contact the DeKalb County Health Department at 815-758-6673. Information also can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site at www.cdc.gov or the Illinois Department of Public Health Web site at www.idph.state.il.us.