First West Nile Positive Mosquitoes Of 2019 Found In Lake County

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — The Lake County Health Department announced Monday samples of mosquitoes collected in Highland Park last month have tested positive for West Nile virus, the first confirmation of the virus in the county of the year. Last year, there was one death among eight confirmed human cases of West Nile in Lake County, according to Executive Director Mark Pfister.

Clarke Environmental, the anti-mosquito contractor for the Southlake Mosquito Abatement District, collected the West Nile-positive sample on June 13. District President Barbara Struthers said 72 positive samples of mosquitoes were identified last year.

"West Nile Virus is endemic to Lake County, which means that we should expect to see positive mosquito samples each year," Struthers said.

Last year, 17 people died out of 176 confirmed cases of West Nile virus statewide, according to public health officials. Four people have died among 73 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Lake County since 2002.

Most people who contract the virus do not show symptoms, which can appear up to two weeks after a bite from West Nile-positive mosquito. Symptoms can include fever, nausea and aches. The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe and potentially deadly complications, including meningitis and encephalitis.

As of Monday, 13 counties had reported positive tests for West Nile, with 57 positive samples of mosquitoes and two of birds. There have been no confirmed human cases of the virus so far in 2019, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

"Culex pipiens mosquitoes, which are the primary carriers of West Nile virus, are most abundant in mid- to late summer, when the weather is hot," said Michael Adam, senior biologist for the health department, in a release.

"Residents can help prevent these mosquitoes from breeding by eliminating areas of stagnant water from their properties," Adam said. "Items like buckets, gutters and plant containers, kiddie pools, and any other items holding water around homes and businesses can become breeding sites."

The health department coordinates anti-mosquito operations throughout Lake County. Mosquitoes are tested weekly, and the program also monitors reports of dead birds and stagnant water. The Southlake Mosquito Abatement District serves Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood and Riverwoods. It monitors 22 mosquito traps, inspects for standing water and educates the public about mosquito prevention.

Standing water and mosquito concerns can be reported to the district's hotline at 800-942-2555. Dead birds can be reported to the Lake County Health Department by calling 847-377-8300. Residents wishing to receive phone calls about anti-mosquito operations conducted by the district's contractor, Clarke Environment, can sign up online.

Earlier:

• Anti-Mosquito Spraying Planned For Deerfield
• First Mosquitoes With West Nile Virus Found On North Shore