Anti-Mosquito Spraying Planned Amid Increased West Nile Risk

EVANSTON, IL — Mosquito spraying is scheduled for much of Evanston Wednesday night, weather permitting, the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District announced. The anti-mosquito operations are planned for 8 p.m. Aug. 8 to 2 a.m. Aug. 9 south of Central Street and east of the North Shore Channel, including parts of Skokie. The district warned the risk of people becoming infected with West Nile virus has been increasing and reminded residents to take measures to reduce risks from mosquitoes.

According to the district, 50 of the 283 batches of mosquitoes found in Evanston this year have tested positive for the virus as of Aug. 1.

Last week, the district reported the the risk of human infection was high, with both the number of mosquitoes and number infected with West Nile virus was above average. There were 104 positive samples among the first 933 batches tested this year. In the last 229 through the end of last month there were 120.

Last month, two women in Chicago suburbs, one in Aurora and one in Wheaton, tested positive for the virus, according to health officials.

It can take about two weeks after a bite for symptoms to show up and about four of five people infected will not show any. Those with weaker immune systems and older adults are most vulnerable to suffer severe illnesses related to the infection. Last year, there were eight deaths among 90 reported human cases of the virus, which can cause symptoms like fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches.

Residents were advised to eliminate standing water sources and take measures to protect themselves from mosquitoes, including using repellent and covering up during peak mosquito times.

You can report standing water or dead birds, which transmit West Nile virus, to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District and the Cook County Department of Public Health via online forms.

Map of areas affected by anti-mosquito operations planned for Aug. 8:

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