West Nile Virus Found In Kenilworth Mosquitoes

KENILWORTH, IL — The first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus in Wilmette or Kenilworth were collected last week, according to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District. Two batches of mosquitoes collected in the district's Kenilworth trap on Wednesday tested positive for the virus on Thursday.

The district has reported 48 samples of mosquitoes with West Nile virus had already 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.

Only Wilmette has not registered a positive test yet among municipalities in the northern Cook County district, which said overall mosquito populations were also well above average for this time of year.

The rate of infection with West Nile virus 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. Statewide, there have been 156 positive batches found across 28 counties, according to state public health officials.

Last year in Illinois, eight people died among 90 confirmed human cases. 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.

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