The Will County Health Department has found three additional WNV-positive mosquito samples from planted WCHD traps. Two were collected from a Mokena trap, and one from a Frankfort trap.
This brings the total amount of positive mosquito batches collected in Will County this mosquito season to 22. Eight were collected by WCHD operated traps; while other positive samples came from traps operated by the Illinois Department of Public Health and various mosquito abatement districts.
Although WCHD traps have now been taken down due to the cooling weather, Will County residents are advised to continue using extreme caution with mosquitoes until the first frost. This includes wearing long sleeve shirts, long pants, and shoes and socks; especially during peak mosquito periods between dusk and dawn. Insect repellent with DEET is recommended as well, in addition to reminders to get rid of standing water around your home.
West Nile Virus is spread to humans through the bite of a Culex mosquito, after that mosquito has bitten a bird infected with WNV.