More West Nile Mosquitoes Found In Highland Park, Deerfield

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The Southlake Mosquito Abatement District (SLMAD) reported three more area mosquito collections have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to a release from the City of Highland Park. One of the positive mosquito collections is from northwest Highland Park, while the other two are from Deerfield, SLMAD reported. The city said SLMAD was scheduled to conduct a ground-based adult mosquito control treatment Wednesday night in those specific areas.

West Nile positive mosquitoes have been found in every municipality in the north suburban Cook County North Shore Mosquito Abatement District.

Patch recently reported that statewide, there were eight deaths among 90 reported human cases of the virus in 2017.

Symptoms of West Nile virus can include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches and can take up to about two weeks after a bite to manifest. About 80 percent of people infected will not show any signs of infection, but older people and those with weaker immune systems are most vulnerable to suffer severe illnesses related to the virus, which can include meningitis or encephalitis.

MORE: 1st West Nile Positive Mosquitoes Found In Lake County

The risk of human infection with West Nile virus is low, but health officials said it is increasing, with recent heavy rains and high heat providing the right conditions for mosquitoes populations to grow. Residents have been urged to check their homes and property for any items that can hold standing water they may have overlooked.

To report areas of stagnant water, locations of dead birds or to get more information about the signs and symptoms of West Nile, call the Lake County Health Department's West Nile hotline at 847-377-8300.

Image via Shutterstock