West Nile Virus Surge Prompts Mosquito Control in Wheaton

In response to the in DuPage and surrounding counties, the Wheaton Mosquito Abatement District plans to increase mosquito control with a spraying on Monday, Aug. 13.

West Nile Virus is a potentially serious illness that can be transmitted by mosquitoes. The treatment will cover the entire district and is intended to reduce the numbers of mosquitoes that are known to transmit WNV to people.

The DuPage County Health Department have tested positive for WNV. According to an interactive map of mosquito testing in the area, there have been eight sprayings in Wheaton that returned positive results this summer. The most recent positive tests were July 25 and 27. There have been six reports of West Nile disease in residents living in Cook County.

The District is continuing to inspect and treat known mosquito breeding sites throughout the area to help limit the development of new mosquitoes. The district needs your continued help to prevent new mosquitoes by disposing of any standing water you find on your property. The culex mosquito that transmits WNV easily breeds in small amounts of water that collect in containers around residential property.

According to the Center for Disease Control, symptoms of WNV include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis.

The best way to prevent West Nile virus disease is to avoid mosquito bites, according to the :

• Use insect repellents when you go outdoors.
• Wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors.  Use air conditioning, if you have it.
• Empty standing water from items outside your home such as flowerpots, buckets and kiddie pools.

Clarke Mosquito Control has been contracted to provide all district mosquito control services this year. Call their hotline at 800-942-2555 if you have questions or problems.

The Aug. 13 spraying will be performed in the evening, according to a message from the City of Wheaton.

Recent mosquito-related news:

• Spraying Scheduled After Increase in West Nile Virus Activity (July 24)
• Health Department: County Entering 'Period of High Risk' for West Nile Virus (July 24)