West Cook News

Several areas in the District are seeing higher levels of West Nile Virus (WNV) among adult mosquitoes, reaching a point where transmission to humans is considered likely. According to officials, the mosquito species responsible for WNV is passive and not an aggressive biter, making its presence difficult to notice. Recent warm weather has created conditions favorable for this mosquito species and led to a rapid increase in WNV.

To address the situation, evening spraying for adult mosquitoes will take place as needed between dusk and midnight in affected areas. The District will announce specific locations scheduled for spraying each evening on its website at www.dvmad.org, its Facebook page, and through notifications sent to Villages for their websites.

Residents are advised to take precautions against mosquito exposure and potential diseases. Officials recommend checking window screens for damage and repairing them if necessary, as well as sealing any openings around window air conditioners or vents. People should avoid outdoor activities at dusk when possible; otherwise, they are encouraged to wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts made of loose-fitting, light-colored fabric. The use of insect repellents according to manufacturer instructions is also suggested.

Homeowners are urged to eliminate standing water sources that can serve as mosquito breeding grounds by disposing of containers like cans or bottles that collect water, cleaning rain gutters regularly, changing water in bird baths and wading pools weekly, maintaining swimming pools properly, turning over items such as buckets or wheelbarrows that may gather water, screening rain barrels, aerating ornamental ponds while stocking them with surface-feeding fish like goldfish, and disposing of used tires without rims.

Further information can be found on the District’s website at www.dvmad.org.