advertisement

Mosquitoes in Buffalo Grove test positive for West Nile

Mosquitoes collected from traps on both the north and south sides of Buffalo Grove have tested positive for West Nile virus, the village said Friday.

“West Nile virus was confirmed in the mosquito population on Aug. 13 on both the Lake and Cook County sides of the village,” Village Manager Dane Bragg said in a news release.

“Throughout Buffalo Grove, mosquito control applications occur in the evenings when weather permits,” he added. “This helps suppress the adult mosquito population and minimize the risk of virus transmission.”

The most recent application took place on Thursday, Aug. 15. The Village contracts with Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management in Lake County. In Cook County, the mosquito population is controlled by the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District.

Bragg said mosquito counts are somewhat suppressed due to the colder than normal overnight temperatures.

On Thursday, Aug. 22, the Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed the first human case of West Nile in Illinois for 2013. The McHenry County Health Department reported a woman in her 50s became ill earlier this month. Last year, 290 people were reported ill and there were 12 deaths.

The threat of West Nile virus is likely to increase with warmer temperatures. Residents are encouraged to reduce their risk of being infected with West Nile virus by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites.

For more information, the Illinois Department of Public Health has a comprehensive website www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm and a West Nile virus information hotline, at (866) 369-9710.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.