News Flash Home
The original item was published from 6/9/2021 4:33:00 PM to 6/15/2021 1:33:14 PM.

News Flash

Latest News

Posted on: June 9, 2021

[ARCHIVED] Summer = Mosquitoes and the threat of West Nile Virus

Mosquito

It’s summer, and mosquitoes are expected to be in abundance this year. Visit the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District website for information on spraying route schedules, how to ’fight the bite’ and more!  Below are some tips from the Skokie Health and Human Services Department to protect yourself and your family from West Nile Virus.

The Skokie Health and Human Services Department works diligently with the Northshore Mosquito Abatement District (NSMAD) each summer to monitor mosquito activity in the Village in order to lower the risk of West Nile Virus (WNV) infections.

Measures to reduce your risk of being bitten include staying indoors at dawn, dusk or early evening; wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors; spraying clothes with repellants and wearing protective clothing if spending time in a heavily wooded area and applying insect repellents containing DEET very sparingly on exposed skin.

Remember, if an outdoor object can hold water, it can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Property owners can eliminate mosquito breeding areas in the
following manner:

• Remove standing water where mosquitoes can breed. For example, standing water in plant pots, children’s toys, roof gutters, downspout drainage, ornamental birdbaths and ponds.

• Clean and maintain any catch basins that may be on the property. NSMAD will treat your catch basin for mosquito larvae. For more information, please call 847/446-9434.

• Change the water in birdbaths and plant pots at least once a week.

• Empty plastic pools at the end of each day and store indoors.

• Keep grass and shrubbery cut short. Adult mosquitoes accumulate in cool, shady areas.

• Keep gutters clean and free-flowing. Eliminate dips and low areas that collect water.

Most people infected with the virus will have few or mild symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. Severe infections can cause high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, muscle weakness and, rarely, death. Symptoms generally occur three to 14 days following the bite of an infected mosquito. Anyone can get WNV, however, people over age 50 or individuals with a weakened immune system have the highest risk of developing severe illness. If you suspect you have WNV you should contact your doctor.

If you find a dead bird it is important to contact the Skokie Health and Human Services Department to collect the bird for testing. Historically, some birds have tested positive for WNV, and results from testing help to determine the extent of WNV activity. To report a dead bird, please call 847/933-8484.

For more information on WNV or to report potential mosquito breeding sites, please contact the Skokie Health and Human Services Department at 847/933-8484 or the NSMAD at 847/446-9434. The Skokie Health Department is one of only seven state-certified municipal health departments in Illinois and provides a wide range of services to the community.

To learn more about the Skokie Health Department, please visit www.skokie.org or call 847/933-8252.


Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in Latest News

fall leaf collection operations

Leaf Collection and Yard Waste Pickup

Posted on: October 2, 2023
Electoral Referendums Meeting map viewing

Electoral Referendums Meeting, Oct. 10

Posted on: September 19, 2023
Solar-powered street light

Village Pilots Solar-Powered Street Light

Posted on: September 27, 2023
Beautification2023web

Beautification Awards Announced!

Posted on: September 19, 2023
Skokie Village Hall

Village Recognized for Innovative Services

Posted on: September 25, 2023
COVID vaccine administration

Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Recommended

Posted on: September 19, 2023
STAT Commission logo

Provide Your Input On Technology Issues

Posted on: September 18, 2023
flu season graphic

Sign Up to Get Your Free Flu Shot

Posted on: August 30, 2023
Robot Mower

A Greener Way to Cut Grass

Posted on: September 11, 2023
Translate tool screenshot

Website Translation Tool Available

Posted on: September 7, 2023
Fire ISO Class 1 award presentation

Skokie Earns Top Fire Protection Rating

Posted on: August 15, 2023
Skokie refuse crew member emptying a cart

Composting Up, Landfill Waste Down

Posted on: August 8, 2023
HomewoodRendering_web

Downtown Hotel Project Update

Posted on: July 13, 2023
Traffic Cones

It's Road Construction Season

Posted on: April 11, 2023
Heating Cooling Center Graphic (PNG)

Warming and Cooling Centers in Skokie

Posted on: November 16, 2022