3rd West Nile-Positive Mosquito Sample In Deerfield Prompts Spray

DEERFIELD, IL — Anti-mosquito spraying is planned for Deerfield Tuesday night after a third sample of mosquitoes collected in the village tested positive for West Nile Virus. The ground-based adult mosquito control operations will begin at 10 p.m. on the east Deerfield.

So far in 2019, seven batches of mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus in Lake County, according to the Southlake Mosquito Abatement District. There have been no human cases reported in the county. The only two human cases of West Nile to be reported in 2019 were both in Cook County.

There have been positive tests for West Nile virus in 26 counties in Illinois this year, with 347 positive samples from mosquitoes and two birds, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Last year, there were 17 deaths among the 176 confirmed human cases of West Nile. In Lake County, there have been four deaths and 73 human cases since 2002.

"Although the first human case of West Nile virus this year in Illinois has been reported a little later than we typically see, it is important to remember that there is an ongoing risk of disease from a mosquito bite," said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. "West Nile virus can cause serious illness in some people so it's important that you take precautions like wearing insect repellent and getting rid of stagnant water around your home."

The majority of people who contract West Nile do not show any symptoms, which can take up to two weeks to show up after a bite from an infected mosquito, according to public health officials. Symptoms may include fever, nausea and aches. The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of health complications, such as encephalitis and meningitis.

The Southlake Mosquito Abatement District covers Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood and Riverwoods with a volunteer staff, outsourcing mosquito control operations to Clarke Environmental. Clarke uses a product called Merus 3.0, which is listed with the Organic Material Review Institute and meets National Organic Program standards for use around organic crops. Its active ingredient is pyrethrins, usually derived from chrysanthemum flower.

Area residents withing to report mosquito or standing water concerns to the Southlake Mosquito Control District can call 800-942-2555 or via Clarke Environmental's website. To report dead birds, call the Lake County Health Department at 847-377-8300.

Last Week: First Human Case Of West Nile Confirmed In Chicago: IDPH