Southwest suburban communities have seen an uptick in recent weeks of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus.
The recent dry, hot weather could be one reason for the increase, said Michael Slamecka, a biologist at the South Cook County Mosquito Abatement District.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reports mosquitoes carrying the virus have been found at more than 1,300 test sites across Cook County including in Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos Heights, Summit and Homewood.
The Will County Health Department announced last week positive results in mosquito traps in Joliet and Lockport. Last month, the virus was confirmed in mosquitoes in Plainfield and Romeoville.
Slamecka said the mosquito abatement district has had more than 20 positive pools of mosquitoes where West Nile was found. More than half those positive tests were recorded within the past two to three weeks, he said. The district covers a 340 square mile area including many southwest suburban communities and portions of Chicago.
“The mosquito that spreads West Nile likes hot and dry weather,” Slamecka said.
Despite the recent uptick, however, Slamecka said the overall population of mosquitoes carrying the virus is slightly lower, to date, than in years past. Illinois also has not yet recorded a case of a human infection of West Nile.
“We’re not seeing any hot spots in our district, but that could change day to day,” Slamecka said.
West Nile first appeared in Illinois in 2001, when the state discovered the virus in two dead crows. The state’s first human case of the virus was recorded the following year.
The Illinois Department of Public Health tracks cases of West Nile in mosquitoes, birds and other animals along with any cases involving humans. The virus is spread to humans primarily through mosquitoes.
The Will County Health Department operates a West Nile virus surveillance hotline, asking people to call 815-740-7631 if they spot a dead bird on their property. A representative will then check if the bird can be picked up for testing. The most common birds that carry the virus are robins, blue jays and crows.
Symptoms of West Nile virus can include a mild fever or headache. More severe cases can result in a high fever, body aches, disorientation, convulsions or paralysis. In some cases, the virus can be deadly. Those over the age of 60 are at a higher risk for infection, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
To help reduce the risk of infection, experts suggest using a mosquito repellent when outdoors and avoiding being outside at dusk, which is a peak time for mosquito activity. Slamecka also encourages people to get rid of any containers that may have standing or stagnant water and to regularly clean birdbaths or fountains.
Alicia Fabbre is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
