As the Will County Health Department Environmental Health Division continues to monitor the West Nile Virus mosquito situation this year, they have reported 11 additional positive tests for during the week of August 5th. Thirteen of the Health Department’s 14 mosquito traps have now produced at least one positive WNV sample this year.
The positive tests this past week were reported from traps at Camp Manitoqua in Frankfort, along 191st Street in Mokena, Settlers Park in Plainfield, Central Park in Bolingbrook, Hidden Lakes in Bolingbrook, Old Oak Country Club in Homer Glen, and the Creekside Subdivision in Lockport. For the entire mosquito season, the Will County Health Department has taken 248 mosquito samples, 40 of which showed positive West Nile Virus activity.
In addition to the mosquito samples taken, three birds found deceased in Will County have been shipped out for testing, with one having already come back negative for WNV, and tests on the other two birds pending.
West Nile Virus can be transmitted to a human, after they are bitten by a Culex mosquito that has bitten a bird infected with WNV. Thus far in 2018, there has been one human case in Will County.
To assist with monitoring the West Nile Virus situation, Will County residents are encouraged to report any dead birds found in their yard, without physical injury, to the Health Department’s West Nile Virus Hotline at (815) 740-7631. This number can also be used to report complaints concerning properties not clearing away stagnant water, which is a major attraction to the Culex mosquito.
The Will County Health Department continues to remind residents to prevent bites by wearing insect repellent with DEET. In addition, in your are outside during peak mosquito times between dusk and dawn; you should wear socks and shoes, a long sleeve shirt, and long pants.