West Nile Remains Risk in Glenview

The Village of Skokie confirmed a second case of West Nile Virus Wednesday, bringing the number of total known cases in Illinois to six this year.

On June 30, the Village of Skokie  after a mosquito pool tested positive. On Aug. 3, the village stated that a 76-year-old woman  

In Glenview, the risk of West Nile virus infection for people remains at an increased level, official shared in the Village e-newsletter.

Mosquitos have tested positive, and there was a human case in Glenview reported Monday, said Dave Zazra, communications manager of the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District.

Adult mosquito control operations have been scheduled depending on the positive pools of mosquitoes found.

Most of Glenview east of Pfingsten Road is included in the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District (847-446-9434). The area south of Central Road and west of Washington Road is included in the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District (847- 537-2306). The area west of Pfingsten Road between Central Road and Willow Road is covered by the Cook County Department of Public Health(708-633-4000).

Residents are asked to report standing water problems to their district, as well as sick or dead birds. To reduce sources for breeding mosquitoes and to learn more about symptoms of West Nile Virus, check out our tips (courtesy of the Village of Skokie) below:

SYMPTOMS

• Symptoms of WNV infection may begin between three and 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.  Most infected people have mild symptoms, such as a fever, headache and rash that lasts a few days.  
• In rare cases, WNV can cause severe disease with symptoms such as muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and coma.  Older adults and people with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk of complications from the virus.

AVOIDING WEST NILE

• Avoid mosquito-infested areas, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Mosquitoes can breed in standing water.  Eliminate this risk by dumping or draining water in neglected ponds, birdbaths, fountains, buckets or anything that can hold water.  Dumping or draining water will interrupt the mosquito life cycle.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Apply mosquito repellant to exposed skin.  The most effective repellents contain 35% DEET; follow application instructions carefully.
• Keep tight-fitting screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes and check to make sure your window screens are in good condition.
• Maintain all swimming pools in a clean and sanitary manner, with all circulation and filtration equipment operational and chemical levels within recommended guidelines; drain water from pool covers.
• Keep grass and shrubbery cut short.  Adult mosquitoes accumulate in shady cool areas.
• Keep gutters clean and free flowing.  Eliminate dips and low areas that collect water.