Mosquitos Carrying West Nile Virus Found in Highland Park

Mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus have have been identified in Highland Park, according to an email from the South Lake Mosquito Abatement District.

Earlier:

Twenty-six Illinois counties have reported mosquitos carrying West Nile virus, including in traps in Highland Park and in Prairie Wolf Slough forest preserve.  

As of this week, two cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed, both in northern Cook County. 

Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management encourages residents to use repellent when outdoors, especially in the evening. They should also get rid of standing water around their homes, including in their gutters and elephant-trunk downspout extensions. 

If someone's yard or other area has water standing more than three days, the resident can let Clarke know where it is: call 800-942-2555 or e-mail southlake@clarke.com. 

Below is comparative data through July 24* for years 2005 - 2012 as reported by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

As of July 24 each year

Counties Positive

Birds Positive

Mosquitoes Positive

*Total Human Cases for season

2012

27

21

631

1 (thru July 24)

2011

7

3

49

34

2010

15

22

105

61

2009

13

4

55

5

2008

7

4

73

20

2007

5

0

183

101

2006

31

58

550

215

2005

21

44

376

252

*Human case data is for the entire year and not just thru July 24.

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