Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Northbrook: Agency

NORTHBROOK, IL — A batch of mosquitoes collected in Northbrook last week tested positive Tuesday for the West Nile Virus. According to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District, it marks the first mosquitoes to test positive in Northbrook this summer.

In addition, WNV positive mosquitoes were collected last Friday in Morton Grove.

This year, WNV positive mosquitoes have also been found in NSMAD traps in Evanston, Lincolnwood, Northfield, and Skokie. The most current test results can be found on the NSMAD website.

Though the risk of humans being infected by the virus is low at this time, the NSMAD recommends that residents take personal protection measures to minimize mosquito bites, including the following:

• use an EPA registered insect repellent
• wear loose fitting clothing
• avoid 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
• contact the NSMAD for assistance with any mosquito related issues they may be experiencing. "If it can hold water, it can breed mosquitoes."

The NSMAD, headquartered in Northfield, is a local government agency responsible for controlling the regional mosquito population in order to reduce the risk of disease from mosquito borne illness and minimize the negative impact mosquitoes have on the quality of life in the municipalities of Deerfield (Cook County, east of Pfingsten Road) Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview (east of Pfingsten Road), Golf, Kenilworth, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles (east of Harlem Avenue), Northbrook (east of Pfingsten Road), Northfield, Skokie, Wilmette, and Winnetka.