Risk Of West Nile Virus Infection Reaches Highest Level Of Season

NORTHFIELD, IL — With the risk of the West Nile Virus infection at the highest level so far this season, officials from the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District are warning residents to take precautions.

"People are urged to take personal protection measures, most importantly, using an EPA registered repellent," Dave Zazra, communications manager of the NSMAD, said Wednesday in the Northfield organization's weekly report. "Mosquito repellent is the simplest and most effective method of protection from mosquitoes and West Nile Virus."

Of 132 mosquito batches tested by NSMAD between Aug. 21 and Aug. 27, 115 came back positive. Here is a breakdown of positive batches by municipality:

• Evanston (34 of 40 this week/114 of 358 for season)
• Glencoe (3 of 3/7 of 44)
• Glenview/Golf (18 of 18/54 of 150)
• Kenilworth (1 of 2/9 of 60)
• Lincolnwood (9 of 9/29 of 111)
• Morton Grove (3 of 4/21 of 82)
• Niles (3 of 4/13 of 82)
• Northbrook (6 of 6/9 of 50)
• Northfield (8 of 10/25 of 72)
• Skokie (22 of 25/101 of 286)
• Wilmette (4 of 6/19 of 81)
• Winnetka (4 of 5/6 of 32)

Though it happened in June, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Illinois for 2021 last month. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a Cook County resident in his 80s, who became ill in mid-June, tested positive.

Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms of illness, though some may become ill, usually three to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches. In some individuals, severe illness including meningitis or encephalitis, or even death, can occur. People older than 50 years and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.

Zazra said residents should wear proper attire and eliminate or drain items that can hold stagnant water around their properties to help further reduce risk. He added to contact the NSMAD for assistance with large areas of standing water.

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• First Human Case Of West Nile Virus In State Is Cook County Man