Four batches of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District, which are located in three North Shore communities.
On 13 July, the district reported that two batches of positive mosquitoes in the week between 2 and 8 July were located in Evanston, one in Kenilworth and one in the Glenview/golf area.
NSMAD reports that the risk of infection for people is low, yet all individuals are encouraged to apply EPA-registered mosquito repellent, wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the skin as much as possible and protect against property. Remove objects that hold stagnant water around. to spokesman David Jazzra.
“That’s really the key to reducing the population of that type of mosquito species,” Zazzra said.
Zazara encourages residents to contact NSMAD at 847/446-9434 or visit www.nsmad.org to report stagnant water in trenches, flooded yards or comparable areas where mosquitoes can breed.
“If people are facing any type of mosquito problem, be it standing water, bite problem or any other concern, people should contact us,” Zazara said. “Residents should behave as if a mosquito could potentially spread a disease and take reasonable precautions to protect themselves and their caregivers.”
Evanston and Kenilworth posted messages on their respective websites advising residents to follow NSMAD’s recommendations.
In late June, a batch of West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes were found in Skokie.
Zazara indicated that the five positive batches located this summer are about the average for a typical year.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance journalist with Pioneer Press.