As of July 27, 18 positive mosquito pools (or batches) and two birds have tested positive for West Nile virus in Lake County, tracking ahead of the seasonal average in Lake County. The population of nuisance mosquito species has also been higher than average.
Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes by following the 4 Ds of Defense:
- Drain: Drain standing water from items around your home, yard, and business (i.e., flower pots, gutters, kiddie pools, and bird baths). These are places mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus like to breed.
- Defend: When outdoors, use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, 2-undecanone, or IR3535 and reapply according to label directions.
- Dawn and Dusk: Protect yourself all day and night, and wear repellent outdoors during these prime times for mosquito activity.
- Dress: Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed toe shoes when outdoors to cover your skin.
Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms of illness. However, some may become ill usually three to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. If you start to feel achy, nauseated, have a fever, swollen lymph glands or a rash after being bitten by a mosquito, see your primary care provider.
The Health Department monitors and tests mosquito populations for West Nile virus, in coordination with Clarke (a mosquito control company) and the Lake County Forest Preserve District.
Mosquito control in Lake County is handled by municipalities and townships, as well as two mosquito abatement districts (MADs). A majority of our municipalities and townships conduct some level of mosquito control, either by larviciding (dunks that prevent eggs from hatching) or adulticiding (spraying). The Health Department’s efforts target the species of mosquitoes known to carry West Nile virus to reduce public health risk.
Find more prevention tips and information at www.FightTheBiteNow.com. Call the Health Department’s West Nile hotline to report areas of stagnant water, report locations of dead birds, and obtain more information at (847) 377-8300.