Geneva To Be Sprayed After Kane Co. Mosquito Batch Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

GENEVA, IL — Geneva will be sprayed for mosquito control Wednesday, officials announced. The spraying will occur two days after the Kane County Health Department confirmed a batch of mosquitoes trapped in Batavia tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The positive sample was taken the week of July 17 from a trap in Batavia, which is monitored by the Kane County Health Department, and is the first batch of mosquitoes to test positive for the virus so far this year. No humans have tested positive yet for virus, according to a news release from the health department.

In Geneva, the purpose of the spraying is to reduce the adult insect population, officials said in a news release Tuesday. It's scheduled from dusk to dawn Wednesday into Thursday.

The city's contractor will use a synthetic treatment that's safe for humans and pets; however, people with asthma and other respiratory conditions are advised to stay indoors and close their windows during application until an hour after.

RELATED: Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Batavia

In 2022, there were 34 human cases of West Nile virus reported in the state and eight deaths. The best way to prevent West Nile Virus disease or any other mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Additional information about West Nile Virus can be found on the Kane County Health Department’s website.

Geneva residents should report mosquito nuisances and standing water issues directly to Clarke, the city's contractor, using the company's online portal.