3 days ago
Spraying stepped up in Lake County to combat West Nile virus; ‘All … residents should take precautions to protect themselves'
A recent and significant increase in the number of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in areas of Lake County has prompted heightened spraying and other measures to keep the potential spread of the disease at a minimum.
George Balis, the Midwest regional manager for Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management, said his company has significantly increased its spraying efforts in Waukegan, North Chicago, Gurnee, Zion, Beach Park and other communities.
'There has been a dramatic increase in the number of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus in the last three weeks,' Balis said.
Clarke started overnight adult mosquito abatement spraying on Aug 4 in Waukegan and other nearby communities in an effort to significantly reduce the number of insects capable of causing the West Nile virus in people.
Along with the citywide spraying, Waukegan Public Works Director Chris Garland said in an email that a special mosquito treatment was planned at the Waukegan Municipal Beach ahead of Friday's Touch a Truck event.
'Our main goal is to help keep the community safe and healthy, especially during peak mosquito season,' Garland said. 'With the recent stretch of hot weather and heavy rain, mosquito activity has increased — including species that can carry West Nile virus.'
Emily Young, the Lake County Health Department's marketing and communications manager, said in an email on Wednesday that 56 batches out of 337 tested were positive for West Nile virus. One person in the county has become ill with the disease. The county does not disclose where the patient lives.
So far this summer, three people have tested positive for the disease in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health's website. The other two are in DuPage County and downstate Wayne County.
Though the number of people who can become seriously ill or die from West Nile virus is very small, Balis said it can happen. Of those who contract the virus, approximately 80% will feel very little, but around 20% will feel more severe symptoms like 'summer flu.'
Of those who fall in the 20% category, Balis said, 1% can contract a neuroinvasive form of the disease. It can require hospitalization. As airborne insects, mosquitoes can travel, which is why Young said everyone in the county should use precautions.
'Mosquito surveillance trap data lets us know West Nile virus is present in mosquitoes in the county,' Young said. 'As infected mosquitoes do not always stay in one area, all Lake County residents should take precautions to protect themselves.'
Young recommends using the 'Four Ds' to protect against being infected by mosquitoes which may carry the virus. The tasks are draining all standing water, defend yourself and your family by using EPA-approved insect repellent, limit outdoor time between dawn and dusk and dress wearing clothes and shoes that cover your skin.
When dealing with standing water — whether in a birdbath, a sewer drain or a puddle in the yard — Balis said it should be removed within three to five days. Female mosquitoes lay eggs in still water where they mature and hatch. If there is no water, they will not hatch and grow wings.
