Lake County, IL – A mosquito “pool” sampled on June 12 in Highland Park has tested positive for West Nile virus. This marks the first confirmed presence of West Nile virus in Lake County in 2024.
According to Mark Pfister, Executive Director of the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center, mosquitoes can carry diseases such as West Nile virus. “We can take steps to ‘Fight the Bite’ to protect ourselves and our families from a potentially deadly disease,” Pfister said.
Residents are advised to follow the “4 Ds of Defense” to protect themselves from mosquito bites:
1. Drain: Eliminate standing water around homes and businesses.
2. Defend: Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
3. Dawn and Dusk: Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity times.
4. Dress: Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes outdoors.The Lake County Health Department’s Mosquito Surveillance Program continues to monitor mosquito populations and test for West Nile virus. “With the warmer weather, people spend more time outdoors and mosquitoes become active,” said Adam Batorai, Ecological Services Program Coordinator at the Health Department.
In 2023, 173 out of 763 mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile virus in Lake County. Since 2002, there have been 80 confirmed human cases and four deaths in the county due to the virus. Most people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms, but some may experience fever, headache, and muscle ache within 3 to 15 days of being bitten.
For more information on prevention tips, visit FightTheBiteNow.com. Residents can report stagnant water, dead birds, and obtain more information by calling the Health Department’s West Nile hotline at (847) 377-8300.
