Mosquitoes Targeted In Skokie And Lincolnwood

SKOKIE, IL — With a heightened risk of human infection with West Nile virus, anti-mosquito spraying on the North Shore has been stepped up. Insecticide trucks would be taking to the streets starting at 8 p.m. Tuesday in much of Skokie and Lincolnwood, as well as parts of Morton Grove, Niles and Glenview, weather permitting, the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District announced. The head of the northern Cook County district last week warned the risk of human infections with West Nile virus was likely to remain elevated throughout the month of August.

"The amount of virus we are detecting in mosquitoes is well above the historical average for this time of year and is also occurring earlier in the season than the average," said NSMAD Executive Director Mark Clifton.

The risk to humans of West Nile virus is at its highest level since an outbreak in 2012, when 174 cases of the virus were confirmed among Cook County residents. Only about 20 percent of people infected with show symptoms, which develop up to two weeks after a bit and can include a fever, tremors, aches and potentially fatal complications.

More: Risk Of West Nile In North Suburbs Highest Since 2012 Outbreak »

Tuesday's spraying (see map below) follows planned anti-mosquito operations Monday night in parts of north Evanston, east Glenview, Morton Grove, Niles, Skokie and Wilmette.

Health officials recommended people take measures to reduce the risk of mosquito bites such as covering up during peak hours and using insect repellent. Residents were also reminded to take a look around their property to get rid of any standing water that could breed mosquitoes.

Location of areas affected by Aug. 14 spraying:

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