West Nile Virus Detected in Mosquitoes in Lake County, Health Officials Urge Public to Take Precautions
Health officials in Lake County are warning the public after batches of mosquitoes in several towns tested positive for West Nile virus. This marks the first confirmed presence of the virus in Lake County this year. The affected towns include Bannockburn, Lake Villa, and Vernon Hills.
The Lake County Health Department is urging residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families. Executive Director Mark Pfister emphasized the importance of being aware of the potential dangers that mosquitoes carry, stating, “By learning to ‘Fight the Bite’, we can protect ourselves and our families from a potentially deadly disease.”
To prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of infection, the health department recommends practicing the “4 Ds of Defense”:
1. Drain standing water from items around your home, yard, and business to eliminate breeding sites.
2. Defend yourself by using an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, 2-undecanone, or IR3535. Remember to reapply as directed.
3. Protect yourself throughout the day by wearing repellent outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquito activity is high.
4. Dress appropriately by wearing long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes when outdoors to cover your skin.
Culex pipiens mosquitoes are the primary carriers of West Nile virus and are most abundant in hot weather. Residents can help prevent mosquito breeding by eliminating areas of stagnant water in their surroundings. Buckets, gutters, plant containers, and other items holding water can become potential breeding sites.
The Lake County Health Department’s Mosquito Surveillance Program plays a crucial role in monitoring and preventing the spread of West Nile virus. Mosquitoes are tested weekly, dead bird reports are investigated, and areas of stagnant water are checked for mosquito larvae.
While the current dry weather reduces the overall mosquito population, the Culex mosquitoes responsible for transmitting West Nile virus remain present. Alana Bartolai, Ecological Services Program Coordinator at the Lake County Health Department, stated, “The years with the most cases of West Nile virus have often been during hot, dry summers.”
In 2022, a total of 81 mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile virus in Lake County. Since 2002, there have been 79 confirmed human cases of the virus and four reported deaths in the county. While most infected individuals do not exhibit symptoms, some may experience fever, nausea, headache, and muscle ache. Severe illness, including meningitis or encephalitis, can occur in some cases, with older adults and those with weakened immune systems at higher risk.
The Lake County Health Department urges residents to report areas of stagnant water and locations of dead birds to their West Nile hotline at 847-377-8300. Additionally, the hotline provides more information on the signs and symptoms of West Nile virus.
Taking necessary precautions and staying vigilant can help reduce the risk of West Nile virus transmission and protect the community from this potentially dangerous disease.