West Nile Virus Detected On Chicago's North Shore

NORTHFIELD, IL — With samples of mosquitoes from more than half a dozen North Shore communities having already tested positive for West Nile virus, the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District is warning residents virus activity is likely to increase over the next few weeks.

Northbrook last week became the latest suburb to have a batch of mosquitoes test positive for West Nile, as a sample collected in a trap July 3 tested positive in the lab on July 6, according to the NSMAD.

Mosquitoes collected in Evanston, Glenview, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles and Skokie had already tested positive for the virus.

No samples have yet tested positive from Kenilworth, Northfield, Wilmette and Winnetka.

You can find out how many positive batches have been detected compared to how many samples have been collected in each northern Cook County town on the NSMAD website.

The NSMAD said the risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus remains low, but residents should take precautions to minimize the chance of mosquito bites.

The district suggests using insect repellent, wearing loose fitting clothing, avoiding peak mosquito feeding times during the hours around dawn and dusk and examining your property to eliminate any items that can hold water, particularly smaller items that may be easily overlooked, since anything that can hold water can breed mosquitoes.

UPDATE July 11: West Nile Detected In Kenilworth Mosquitoes

The NSMAD found the first West Nile virus positive mosquitoes in traps in Kenilworth on Tuesday, when a batch of mosquitoes collected on July 7 tested positive for West Nile virus. Kenilworth becomes the eighth north suburban town to detect the virus.