Although fall is approaching, mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus are still a threat to area residents, but not a cause for great concern, said Phil Nixon, extension entomologist for the University.

Last month West Nile was found in mosquitoes near Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, which rekindled fears of the disease that caused 62 deaths in Illinois in 2002.

When the mosquitoes were found in the park, Robin Hall, executive director for the Urbana Park District, said he was somewhat concerned.

"As soon as we got the news, what we did was go immediately to the experts and they told us the basics of mosquito prevention," he said.

Concerned that Meadowbrook would be singled out by the community as an unsafe place, he was quick to point out that the area is not unique.

"(The experts) reassured us that finding mosquitoes with the virus is not uncommon," he said. "The odds of being bitten by a mosquito with the virus are very small, but equal throughout the community."

Nixon agreed with this, saying that finding the mosquitoes depends on where and when the area is tested.

"A lot of the mosquitoes found with the virus have to do with the area sampled," he said. "You could probably find mosquitoes in every county if you had the money and the time."

He continued, saying that a more reliable indicator of the prevalence of the virus is the number of reported human cases.

"Because we have money and time restrictions, what we go by is human cases since they are much easier to locate," he said.

Nixon also pointed out that the number of reported cases and deaths are much lower this year and this can be attributed to several factors.

One factor could be the weather.

"The weather this year has been different this summer," he said. "The rain keeps stagnant water moving, which keeps favorable breeding conditions down, and this has helped to keep the numbers down."

Nixon said another factor could be that those vulnerable to the virus, such as humans, horses and birds, could be developing an immunity to the virus.

"We have no sound scientific proof for this, but the pattern of cases over the years hint that this might be the case."

The trends of high numbers one year and lower numbers the next have been identifiable in New York and Illinois.

"A few years ago in New York there were many human cases and then it dropped off after that," Nixon said.

"The situation in Illinois is similar," he said. "Last year we had 877 cases with 62 deaths, and this year we have only had 14 cases with no fatalities."

He said that Colorado seems to be hit the worst this year.

"The West Nile trend seems to be traveling westward," he said. "Colorado has had the highest numbers with 1,214 cases and 19 deaths, Nebraska has had 10 (deaths), Wyoming has had six and Texas has had six."

"Across the country, there have been 3,659 reported cases and 67 deaths," he said.

Nixon said that people should be aware that the disease is still around, but since fall is approaching people spend less time outside and the numbers will be lower.

"Now that Labor Day has passed, people don't spend as much time doing outdoor activities," he said. "If people spend less time outdoors, the chances of being bitten are greatly reduced."

MORE BOX/GRAPHIC:

According to the Center for Disease Control Web site, there are certain precautions that can be made to avoid contact with infected mosquitoes:

When you are outdoors, use insect repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). Follow the directions on the package.

Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Consider staying indoors during these times or use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants. Light-colored clothing can help you see mosquitoes that land on you.

Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill drainage holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.