Testing Of Mosquitoes For West Nile Virus Begins In Northbrook

NORTHBROOK, IL — With warmer temperatures here, the threat of the West Nile Virus being transmitted to humans and animals from mosquitoes increases. The Northfield-based North Shore Mosquito Abatement District has resumed testing for 2021 in the local municipalities, including Northbrook.

During the week of May 22 through May 28, NSMAD tested five batches of mosquitoes in Northbrook for WNV and each came back negative. In all, 66 batches across Northbrook, Glenview/Golf, Evanston, Glencoe, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northfield, Skokie, Wilmette and Winnetka, with all testing negative.

WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States.

While NSMAD said the risk of infection at this time is low, people are advised to take personal protection measures including using repellent, wearing proper attire and eliminating or draining items that can hold standing water around their property.

NSMAD also said that weather monitoring is important due to the influence it has on mosquito populations. Above average temperatures during late winter and early spring are associated with increased West Nile Virus activity in the summer months. Heavy rainfall during the summer months may temporarily decrease Culex spp. populations, helping to lower WNV activity, but increasing the population of floodwater/nuisance species. NSMAD utilizes weather
data to help make decisions on its control methods.

To learn more about the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District, visit https://www.nsmad.com/.