CHICAGO (CBS) — Another group of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus was found in Illinois, this time in Lincolnwood.
This week, the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District found the first West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in their traps.
A group of mosquitoes was collected on June 24 and tested positive for the virus in a laboratory on June 27.
The findings come a week after the batches arrived Chicago, Highland Park and Skokie were found to carry the virus. Positive mosquitoes have also been found in traps in Evanston and Northfield.
West Nile is transmitted through the bite of a Culex mosquito, or house mosquito, that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Some common symptoms of the virus include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches. Symptoms can last from a few days to a few weeks. Although most people do not show symptoms, in rare cases the virus can cause serious illness, including meningitis, encephalitis, or even death. People over 60 and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of serious illness.
Although the risk of infection is currently low, the district advises residents to take measures to minimize mosquito bites, including using insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus, wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding mosquito bites. peak mosquito feeding times during the hours, usually around dawn and dusk.
People are also advised to inspect their property and remove items that may hold water. This includes small items that
can easily be missed.
The district warned that if water is allowed to remain there, mosquitoes could also breed there.
