The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has confirmed the first appearance of West Nile Virus (WNV) positive mosquitoes of the year in the city, identified in three Chicago community areas: Greater Grand Crossing, Roseland, and West Pullman. The Illinois Department of Public Health previously confirmed the first mosquito to test positive for West Nile virus appeared in the state on May 17. No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported so far this year.
West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Chicago and the United States, so it remains important to prevent its spread. CDPH has a robust mosquito control program, which includes treating 80,000 Chicago catch basins with larvicide to kill immature mosquitoes, collecting and testing mosquitoes for West Nile virus, and spraying in specific geographic areas to kill adult mosquitoes if necessary.
“Mosquitoes are a common nuisance throughout Chicago during the summer months, and can sometimes carry serious diseases,” said CDPH Commissioner Olusembo “Simbo” Ige, MD, MPH. “The best way to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid mosquito bites and take measures to prevent them from breeding around your home.”
Chicago residents are encouraged to take precautions against mosquitoes:
Use an insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions. Eliminate standing water – Empty water from any outdoor containers, such as flower pots, gutters, pet water dishes, and birdbaths on a weekly basis. Keep grass and weeds short to eliminate hiding places for adult mosquitoes. When going out between dusk and dawn, wear loose, light-colored clothing, long pants, socks and shoes. Make sure all screens, windows and doors are securely installed and free of holes. Repair or replace screens with tears or other holes.
West Nile virus is usually spread to humans through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito, commonly called a house mosquito. While most people infected with West Nile virus do not feel sick, about 1 in 5 people develop fever and flu-like symptoms. Severe disease can occur in about 1 in 150 people, and is most likely in people over 60 years of age. Because there are no specific medications to treat West Nile virus in humans, the most effective way to prevent infection is to prevent mosquito bites.
For more information about mosquito-borne diseases, including symptoms and prevention, visit Chicago.gov/health. To report standing water, dead birds or high weeds/weeds, call 311.
