Mosquitoes in Evanston test positive for West Nile Virus

EVANSTON, Ill. (STMW) - A pool of mosquitoes from north suburban Evanston tested positive for West Nile Virus, health officials announced Monday.

Health officials last week warned Chicago area residents of the dangers of the virus after infected mosquitoes were discovered on the Northwest Side, southwest suburban Oak Lawn and north suburban Northbrook.

The pool from Evanston is the first to test positive in the north suburb this year, according to a release from Evanston's health department. So far this year in Illinois, there have been 28 positive pools statewide with no human cases reported.

Chicago Department of Public Health traps recently yielded infected mosquitoes in three areas on the Northwest Side -- Dunning, Norwood Park and O'Hare, according to a release from the department.

This year, West Nile-infected mosquitoes have been found in 11 counties statewide, including Cook.

In suburban Cook County, in addition to Evanston, infected mosquitoes or birds have been found in Oak Lawn and Northbrook.

However, no human cases of illness relating to West Nile have been detected in the city or elsewhere in Illinois this year. Health officials say that could change quickly in coming weeks, the release said.

The health department will continue to monitor mosquito traps citywide and, should the need arise, spray insecticide to kill adult mosquitoes in the area.

Officials are advising residents to eliminate standing water that lasts more than four days, clean and chlorinate swimming pools, and remove items that may hold water.

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