Mosquitoes In Skokie, Wilmette Test Positive For West Nile Virus
CHICAGO (CBS)-- Mosquitoes in Skokie and Wilmette tested positive for West Nile Virus.
According to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District, the mosquitoes were collected from traps on June 5.
According to NSMAD data, one infected mosquito was found out of 16 batches in Wilmette, and one infected mosquito was found out of 34 batches tested in Skokie.
In the North Shore, a total of 15 mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus.
West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes were also located in Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Northbrook, Northfield and Winnetka.
With the wettest May on record in Chicago, concerns about a bumper crop of mosquitoes--and potential for West Nile virus--have public health officials on alert.
The Chicago Department of Public Health began its annual mosquito control activities on May 15. By mid-June, the city will have treated 80,000 catch basins in Chicago with larvicide, which kills immature mosquitoes. Extended-release larvicide briquettes will provide control all summer.
Starting on Monday, the health department will set a total of 83 traps across the city, and samples will be tested weekly for West Nile Virus.
NSMAD recommends using inspect repellent, wearing loose fitting clothing and avoiding peak mosquito feeding times.
The NSMAD said the risk of being infected is low at this time.