Mosquitoes Found With West Nile Virus in Skokie

SKOKIE, IL - One pool of mosquitoes tested positive for the West Nile virus in Skokie this week.

The positive test was confirmed by the Skokie Health Department on Friday.

While there have been no human cases of West Nile in Skokie or the surrounding area this year, a village memo indicated that "may change over the next few weeks."

Here are some tips to avoid coming into contact with the virus, via the Skokie Health Department:

• Remove standing water where mosquitoes can breed. For example, standing water in plant pots, children’s toys, roof gutters, downspout drainage, ornamental birdbaths and ponds.

• Clean and maintain any catch basins that may be on the property. NSMAD will treat your catch basin for mosquito larvae. For more information, please call 847/446-9434.

• Change the water in birdbaths and plant pots at least once a week.

• Empty plastic pools at the end of each day and store indoors.

• Keep grass and shrubbery cut short. Adult mosquitoes accumulate in cool, shady areas.

• Keep gutters clean and free-flowing. Eliminate dips and low areas that collect water.