Buffalo Grove Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile

West Nile Virus has arrived in Buffalo Grove, the village announced Friday.

Mosquitoes collected from traps Aug. 13 on both the Lake and Cook county sides of the village tested positive for West Nile, Village Manager Dane Bragg said. 

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

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

The Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed the first human case of West Nile in Illinois for 2013 on Aug. 22. 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 the arrival of warmer temperatures, the Village of Buffalo Grove advised in its announcement. 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 provides a comprehensive website and a West Nile Virus information hotline at (866) 369-9710.