Mosquitoes With West Nile Virus Found in St. Charles

Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been found in St. Charles, according to a Kane County Chronicle report.

»Via the Kane County Chronicle

The mosquito abatement vendor for St. Charles will spray the city at dusk Tuesday, July 28, the report stated.

»RELATED: Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Lake County

Last week, West Nile-carrying mosquitoes were found in Lake County, and Kane County reported samples with the virus earlier this month.

»RELATED: Mosquitoes in Kane Co. Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Despite these findings, there have been no human cases of the virus reported in Illinois as July 21, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Tips on How to Stop the Spread of West Nile Virus

Recommendations to prevent mosquito breeding include:

• Discard old tires, buckets, drums or any water holding containers. Poke holes in tires used as bumpers on docks
• Keep roof gutters and downspouts clear of debris
• Keep trash containers covered
• Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store indoors when not in use
• Drain unused swimming pools
• Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water
• Change the water in bird baths and plant urns at least once a week
• Store boats upside down or drain rainwater weekly

Recommendations to prevent mosquito bites include:

• Whenever possible, limit outdoor activity at dusk
• Wear light-colored clothing that minimizes exposed skin and provides some protection from mosquito bites
• Make sure door and window screens fit tightly and that all holes are repaired
• Apply insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535 according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.