Insecticide Spraying Scheduled For Kenilworth, Winnetka, Wilmette

KENILWORTH, IL — With the risk of human infection with West Nile virus now high, the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District announced spraying operations are planned for a second consecutive night Thursday. Weather permitting, anti-mosquito operations will take place between 8 p.m. Aug. 9 and 2 a.m. Aug. 10 in all or parts of Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe, Glenview, Northfield, and Wilmette, according to the district.

Last week, 89 of the 123 samples of mosquitoes collected in district traps tested positive for the virus, including more than half – 12 of 20 – of those collected in Winnetka and Glencoe. And the northern Cook County district reported its vector index, reflecting the estimated number of mosquitoes with West Nile virus, increased from 1.06 to 2.37 in the week ending Aug. 3.

The district was set to spray in most of Evanston and parts of Skokie Wednesday night. Last week, anti-mosquito operations were carried out in Glenview, Golf, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles and Northbrook, according to the district.

So far in 2018, human cases of the virus have been confirmed by health officials in DuPage, Will and Tazewell counties.

About 80 percent of those infected with West Nile will not show symptoms, which can include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Seniors or those with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to severe illness related to the infection. In 2017, eight people died among 90 confirmed cases of the virus statewide.

Residents were asked to inspect their property for any items that might contain stagnant water for mosquitoes to breed. Community members can also report standing water or dead birds, which can carry West Nile virus, online to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District and the Cook County Department of Public Health.

Areas affected by the Aug. 9 anti-mosquito spraying:

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