Anti-Mosquito Spraying Set For Deerfield, Highland Park

DEERFIELD, IL — The Southlake Mosquito Abatement District announced plans for insecticide spraying Monday. The "ground-based adult mosquito control treatment" will begin after 10 p.m., weather permitting. The announcement followed positive tests for West Nile virus in six new samples of mosquitoes collected in the district, including two in Highland Park, three in Deerfield and one in the Prairie Wolf Forest Preserve.

Deerfield village officials recommended the following precautions to reduce the risk of West Nile virus:

• Drain standing water in containers like flowerpot saucers, bird baths and watering cans or in the folds of outdoor tarps.
• Dusk and dawn are when mosquitoes that can carry viruses are most active, so limit outdoor activities or take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

• Protect yourself by using an insect repellent that includes an active ingredient like DEET.
• Dress in long sleeves and pants during dusk and dawn or in areas where mosquitoes are active.
• Connect healthcare providers right away if you develop symptoms like a high fever, severe headache or a stiff neck.

Everyone on the district's notification list within the affected areas will receive an automated phone call. Residents can register for future notification of mosquito control in the southeastern Lake County district, which serves Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood and Riverwoods, by calling the Southlake Mosquito Abatement District mosquito hotline at 800-942-2555. District resident were also asked to call the hotline to report standing water, dead birds or to request additional treatment.

Areas affected by Aug. 27 anti-mosquito spraying:

The risk of human infection with West Nile virus in the area remains high, according to last week's data from the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District. The north Cook County district reported 81 of 103 bathes of mosquitoes tested positive for the virus. Though still above average for this time of year, the infection rate decreased.