Politics & Government

West Nile Virus Found Again in Mosquitoes at Naperville Park

Mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus two weeks in a row at a Naperville park.

Mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus two weeks in a row at a Naperville park, according to officials. 

A mosquito trap in Seager Park, 1163 Plank Rd. tested positive for West Nile virus this week, however, all other city mosquito traps tested negative for the virus, according to the city of Naperville.

"City crews will be treating those areas on Aug. 1 and 2 as a precaution using the safest materials available in very low volumes," according to the city of Naperville. "Department of Public Works crews will be rechecking the areas for breeding sites and retreating catch basins." 

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The city is reminding residents to remove areas of standing water from their property, as it can act as a breeding ground for this insect, according to the city.

In order for residents to protect themselves, city officials provided the following tips and information:

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  • West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Most people who are infected with the West Nile Virus have no symptoms or experience very mild symptoms three to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Mild symptoms include a fever, headache and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands.
  • Less than 1 percent of infected people with West Nile Virus will develop severe symptoms. These symptoms include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. Persons older than 50 years of age and immunocompromised persons (e.g. transplant patients) have the highest risk of severe disease.
  • The best way to prevent West Nile disease or any other mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites. 

Precautions include:

  • Whenever outdoors between dusk and dawn, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Loose fitting, light colored clothing is best. Consider staying indoors at dusk and dawn, which is peak mosquito biting time.
  • Apply insect repellant to exposed skin when outdoors. The most effective repellents contain DEET. Use caution when applying repellant to children. Products containing 10 percent or less DEET are the most appropriate for children from 2 to 12 years of age. Use repellents as directed by the manufacturer.
  • Install tight-fitting window and door screens. Check for and repair any tears in residential screens, including porches and patios. Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night.
  • Reduce or eliminate the amount of standing water around your home. Remove old tires, tin cans, flower pots and buckets and change the water in birdbaths at least once a week. Any container holding water for more than four days can become a breeding ground for thousands of mosquitoes. 
  • Keep gutters clear of debris.
  • Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around your home.
  • Eliminate yard ruts and puddles.
  • Aerate ornamental ponds or stock with larvae eating fish.
  • Use Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), available in hardware stores, in any standing water around your home. 

For more information on mosquito control, visit www.naperville.il.us/mosquitocontrol.aspx.


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