Health & Fitness
West Nile Virus 2023: Mosquitoes Test Positive In DuPage County
Find out where DuPage County detected its first mosquitoes with the West Nile Virus in 2023.
DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — The first mosquitoes of 2023 that tested positive for West Nile Virus in DuPage County were recently found in traps by the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD).
The mosquitoes were found July 5 in Wheaton, Wood Dale and Medinah, according to a news release. This is notably later than the county's data last year indicates. In 2022, the season's first West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes were detected May 24 in Roselle.
“This summer, take action to protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus by preventing mosquito bites,” DCHD Executive Director Adam Forker said in a statement.
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Forker added that residents should “Fight the Bite when spending time outdoors by using insect repellent, draining standing water, and limiting outdoor exposure from dusk to dawn.”
The DCHD recommends taking the following precautions against West Nile Virus:
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- Drain standing water inside and outside of your home
- Wear long sleeves and long pants, in addition to close-toed shoes
- Use repellant that includes DEET
- Wear mosquito repellant between dusk and dawn, when these insects are most active
Additionally, residents are encouraged to contact the health department if they see a dead bird, as dead birds may indicate the presence of the West Nile Virus.
West Nile virus causes body aches, fever, vomiting, diarrhea and rash in about 20 percent of affected patients, according to DCHD. In rare cases, the virus can lead to encephalitis or meningitis. As of July 11, the West Nile Virus transmission risk in DuPage County was listed as "low."Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
