First West Nile Virus Positive Mosquitoes Of 2024 Found In Evanston

EVANSTON, IL — The first mosquitoes of the year to test positive for the West Nile virus in Evanston were found last week, local mosquito control authorities announced.

Two batches of mosquitoes collected Friday tested positive for the virus on Tuesday, according to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District.

District officials said they tested 21 batches from Evanston last week, bringing total for the season to 70. So far, samples from Northfield and Skokie have also tested positive for the virus.

The risk level for West Nile virus infection is very low for humans, with the vector index measurement of the number of infected Culex mosquitoes at only 0.03 — anything below 1.0 indicates low risk.

While the risk of getting West Nile virus is low at this time of year, district officials recommend residents try to minimize mosquito bites, including by using EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing loose-fitting clothing and not spending too much time outside around dawn and dusk — peak mosquito time.

Officials also reminded residents to check out their properties for items that can hold water, particularly smaller items that may be easily overlooked, which can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

The last human outbreak of West Nile virus in Cook County occurred in 2012, with 20 human cases reported in the North Shore district. In the decade since, only 34 cases have been recorded.

West Nile virus can cause a range of effects in people. Although about four of five cases generally go undetected, some people can experience severe symptoms can that can lead to diseases such as encephalitis or meningitis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one of 150 people infected with the virus will suffer a serious illness.

Related: North Shore's First West Nile Virus Positive Mosquitoes Of 2024 Found