First West Nile Virus-Positive Mosquitoes Found In Deerfield

DEERFIELD, IL — The first West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes of the year have been detected in Deerfield, according to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District.

A batch of mosquitoes collected July 1 from an NSMAD trap in Deerfield tested positive for West Nile virus in the district’s lab July 8. A second batch, collected July 2 from a trap in Skokie, also tested positive, according to the district.

This year, West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes have also been found in NSMAD traps in Evanston, Glenview, Lincolnwood, Niles, Northbrook and Wilmette, officials said.

RELATED: West Nile Virus Found In Northbrook Mosquitoes

The latest Deerfield result expands West Nile activity across the North Shore after recent positive mosquito batches were reported in Glenview and Northbrook. Patch previously reported a positive mosquito batch collected June 18 in Glenview, following earlier detections in Evanston, Northbrook and Wilmette.

The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District said the current risk of infection remains low, but residents should still take precautions to reduce mosquito bites.

The district recommends using an EPA-registered insect repellent when spending time outside, wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding peak mosquito feeding times around dawn and dusk.

Residents are also urged to check their property for anything that can hold water, especially small items that are easy to overlook.

“If it can hold water, it can breed mosquitoes,” the district said.

Residents can contact NSMAD for help with mosquito-related issues and can visit the district’s mosquito surveillance dashboard for the most current test results.

No human West Nile virus cases connected to the Deerfield mosquito batch were announced in the district’s update.

West Nile virus is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected do not develop symptoms, but some may experience fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, according to public health officials. In rare cases, the virus can cause serious illness affecting the brain or nervous system.