A batch of up to 50 mosquitoes collected in north suburban Wilmette has tested positive for the West Nile virus, officials for the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District said Wednesday.
Despite the findings, district officials said there is a low risk to residents, and no human cases have been reported in the area.
The infected mosquitoes were collected Monday in a trap and tested positive for the virus on Tuesday, adding to the list of cases in the Chicago area this summer. This comes days after the Chicago Sun-Times reported that the first case of West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples were found Friday. Positive mosquito samples have also been found in Evanston and Northbrook this season, according to the district.
West Nile virus has been a recurring public health concern in Illinois since it was first detected here in 2001. In 2002, all but two of Illinois’ 102 counties had reported West Nile activity, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Since then, Illinois has recorded West Nile-positive mosquitoes every year and has not gone a season without mosquito detection.
Residents are encouraged to remove any standing water on their property, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and more.
“It only takes a couple tablespoons of water to breed,” said Dave Zazra, a media representative for the district.
The virus is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes, according to the state health department. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on dead birds that carry the virus. The disease cannot spread from person to person.
While most infected people do not develop symptoms, severe symptoms include high fevers, body aches and in some cases severe neurological damage.
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