West Nile Virus Found In Glenview Mosquitoes

GLENVIEW, IL — The first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus in Glenview this year have been found, adding to a growing list of North Shore communities where the virus has been detected in local mosquito traps.

One batch of mosquitoes collected June 18 from a North Shore Mosquito Abatement District trap in Glenview tested positive for West Nile virus in the district's lab June 23, according to the district.

West Nile-positive mosquitoes have also been found this year in NSMAD traps in Evanston, Northbrook and Wilmette, district officials said.

The Northbrook detection was announced earlier this month after a batch of mosquitoes collected June 8 from a Northbrook trap tested positive June 9. At the time, district officials said West Nile-positive mosquitoes had also been found in Evanston.

RELATED: West Nile Virus Found In Northbrook Mosquitoes

The virus was later detected in Wilmette, where a batch of mosquitoes collected June 15 tested positive June 16.

While the risk of being infected with West Nile virus remains low at this time, the district recommends residents take steps to reduce mosquito bites, including 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 properties and remove any items that can hold standing water, especially small containers that may be easy to overlook.

Culex pipiens mosquitoes are the primary carriers of West Nile virus and typically breed in stagnant water. Items such as buckets, gutters, plant containers and kiddie pools can become breeding areas.

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

Residents experiencing mosquito-related issues are encouraged to contact the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District for assistance.

According to the district, people infected with West Nile virus may develop fever or a mild headache. Severe symptoms can include sudden high fever with head and body aches, disorientation, tremors and convulsions. In the most severe cases, paralysis or death may occur.

People 50 and older are at the highest risk for serious illness, according to the district. Symptoms typically occur within three to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

RELATED: West Nile Positive Mosquitoes Discovered In Wilmette