1st West Nile Virus Mosquitoes Of 2025 Found In Glenview: Agency

GLENVIEW, IL — The first mosquitoes to test positive for the West Nile Virus locally were found in Glenview earlier this week. According to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District, the batch of mosquitoes was collected on Tuesday at a trap in Glenview, and later tested positive at the agency's Northfield lab.

Dave Zazra, communications manager for NSMAD, tells Patch that while the risk of being infected with West Nile virus is currently low, the agency recommends residents follow these personal protection guidelines to minimize mosquito bites:

• use an EPA registered insect repellent
• wear loose fitting clothing and avoiding peak mosquito feeding times during the hours around dawn and dusk
• examine their property and eliminate any items that can hold water, particularly smaller items that may be easily overlooked.

In addition to Glenview/Golf, 15 batches were tested this week throughout the North Shore in Evanston, Glencoe, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Skokie and Wilmette. Mosquito batches in Niles, Northbrook, Northfield and Winnetka were not tested this week. To date, 85 batches have been tested for the season.

In comparison, the first batch to test positive for West Nile virus in Glenview last year wasn't until July 16. For 2024, 25 of 115 batches tested positive for WNV in Glenview.

RELATED: Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Glenview — Agency

Residents should contact the NSMAD for assistance with any mosquito related issues they may be experiencing.

According to Cook County, the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District was formed Dec. 8, 1927, to serve 13 municipalities in an 80-square mile area bounded by Devon Avenue on the south, the Lake County line on the north, Pfingsten Road on the west, and Lake Michigan on the east. The NSMAD works to reduce and control the regional mosquito population. The NSMAD operations seek to reduce the probability of mosquito borne disease (e.g., West Nile virus) and to minimize annoyance from nuisance mosquitoes.

The NSMAD says if infected with the West Nile virus, a person can develop a fever or mild headache. More severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of a high fever with head and body aches, disorientation, tremors and convulsions.

According to the NSMAD, in the most severe cases, paralysis or death may occur. Those who are 50 years of age or older are at the highest risk for serious illness. Symptoms typically occur within three to 14 days after the bite from an infected mosquito.

In 2024, one person died from the virus, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. A Lake County resident, who was in their 80s, died in August. That followed a year in which six people died as a result of contracting the virus.

RELATED: 1st IL West Nile Virus Death Of Year Reported In Lake County — IDPH