Highland Park Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The North Shore Mosquito Abatment District collected the first West Nile-positive batch of mosquitoes in Highland Park this year, officials announced Wednesday.

The Mosquito Abatement District collected a batch of mosquitoes from a trap in Highland Park between July 10 and 13, and the batch tested positive this week. This week, West Nile-positive mosquitoes were also found in:

• Kenilworth
• Morton Grove
• Northfield
• Evanston
• Glenview
• Lincolnwood
• Niles
• Skokie

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"While the risk of being infected with West Nile virus is low at this time, the NSMAD recommends that residents take personal protection measures to minimize mosquito bites," officials said in a statement.

Culex pipiens mosquitoes are the primary carriers of West Nile virus and they typically breed in stagnant water. Items like buckets, gutters, plant containers and kiddie pools can be prime areas for these insects to lay their eggs.

To minimize mosquito bites, resident should:

• use an EPA registered insect repellent
• wear loose fitting clothing and avoiding peak mosquito feeding times during the hours around dawn and dusk
• examine their property and eliminate any items that can hold water, particularly smaller items that may be easily overlooked.

If a person is infected with West Nile virus, they can develop a fever or a mild headache. Severe symptoms can include a rapid onset of a high fever with head and body aches, disorientation, tremors and convulsions.

According to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District, in the most severe cases, paralysis or death may occur. Those who are 50 years of age or older are at the highest risk for serious illness. Symptoms typically occur within three to 14 days after the bite from an infected mosquito.