Mosquito Spraying Set For Winnetka, Glencoe Tuesday Night

WINNETKA, IL — Mosquito control operations are scheduled Monday night in Glencoe and Winnetka, as well as portions of Northfield and Northbrook, the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District announced. The targeted spraying and insecticide application is planned between 8 p.m. on July 17 and 2 a.m. on July 18, weather permitting.

The district has reported 48 samples of mosquitoes with West Nile virus had been found in traps located in Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northbrook, Northfield, Skokie and Winnetka among 757 batches tested as of July 11. Statewide, there have been 156 positive batches found across 28 counties, according to state public health officials.

Last Thursday, Kenilworth became the latest North Shore where samples of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus. Only Wilmette has not yet registered a positive test yet among municipalities in the northern Cook County district.

The rate of infection among mosquitoes remains above average, rising from 1.35 to 3.9 infected mosquitoes per every 1,000 tested, according to the district's weekly report, which noted overall mosquito populations are significantly higher than normal.

Last year in Illinois, eight people died among 90 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus. One human case, a Chicago woman in her 60s, has been reported so far in 2018. The risk of humans becoming infected is low but increasing, and human infections mostly occur during July through September. Human cases often go unreported, as relatively healthy people with West Nile can be asymptomatic, according to public health officials. People with the virus infected can experience fever, nausea and headaches for weeks.

The district recommended residents use insect repellent, wear loose fitting clothing and avoid peak mosquito feeding times around dawn and dusk to protect themselves. To report areas that may produce mosquitoes –including roadside ditches, flooded yards or elsewhere – call 847-446-9434 or report standing water or a dead bird online to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District.

Areas affected by planned July 17-18 mosquito control operations:

Related:

• First West Nile Positive Mosquitoes Found In Lake County
• First Human Case Of West Nile Virus In Illinois For 2018
• First West Nile Mosquitoes Of Year Found In Glenview, Morton Grove