Mosquito Spraying In Evanston Aims To Prevent West Nile Virus

EVANSTON, IL — The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District announced plans to spray Tuesday night in Evanston. The spraying will take place across Evanston south of Central Street (See map below). According to the district, the mosquito population is far above average for this time of year, but the rate of infected insects is lower.

During the season so far, the district has tested nearly 160 batches of mosquitoes. Two have tested positive for West Niles virus, one in Glenview and another in Morton Grove. Those samples, collected May 25, were the first mosquitoes in Illinois to test positive for West Nile virus in 2018. No human cases have been reported in Illinois so far this year.

There have been a total of nine batches that have tested positive, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health data last updated June 8. Five counties have reported animals testing positive for the virus, which is spread by mosquitoes who feed on infected birds.

None of the mosquitoes collected in the northern Cook County district tested positive last week, according to the NSMAD's weekly report.

The district asked residents to inspect their property for items or areas with stagnant water, warning mosquitoes can breed in anything that holds water. It also advised people take personal protection measures like using insect repellent, avoiding peak mosquito times at dawn and dusk and wearing loose fitting clothing.

"As we see higher temperatures, we will start to see more West Nile virus activity," Illinois Department of Public Health Director Nirav Shah said after the positive tests in the North Shore. "It's easy to take precautions to protect yourself by wearing insect repellent and getting rid of standing water around your home."

MORE: 1st West Nile Mosquitoes Of Year Found In Glenview, Morton Grove »

Map showing areas targeted for "adult mosquito control operations" from 8 p.m. June 12 until 2 a.m. June 13: