Naperville Urges Mosquito Precautions After West Nile Virus Found
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NAPERVILLE, Ill. ~ Naperville, Illinois - In light of recent positive tests for West Nile virus in two traps on Oleson Drive and Jackson Avenue, the city of Naperville is urging residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. The city has already taken action by spraying the immediate areas, checking for breeding sites, and retreating catch basins. As an additional measure, the city will also be spraying the areas surrounding the upcoming Last Fling festival on Friday, August 29th.

According to city officials, preventing mosquitoes from hatching is a top priority during mosquito season from April through October. City crews work diligently to remove standing water and treat ponds, marshes, and catch basins with safe chemicals. They also monitor traps weekly for West Nile virus and assess the effectiveness of their treatment methods. In cases where necessary, the city will use spraying to control the adult mosquito population. However, they assure residents that they only use safe chemicals at low volumes and spray as needed.

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West Nile virus is a potentially dangerous mosquito-borne illness that is transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes. While most people who are infected show no symptoms or experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and occasionally a skin rash and swollen lymph glands within 3-14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. However, less than 1% of those infected may develop severe symptoms, with individuals over 50 years old being at higher risk.

To help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus, the city of Naperville is advising residents to take precautions around their homes. This includes wearing loose-fitting light-colored clothing from dusk to dawn and using mosquito repellent containing 25% to 35% DEET when outdoors. Residents are also encouraged to check for any tears in residential screens and eliminate stagnant water in birdbaths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, tires or any other receptacles where mosquitoes may breed. Additionally, keeping roof gutters clear of debris and maintaining short grass and trimmed shrubbery around the home can help eliminate mosquito hiding places.

For more information on mosquito control and prevention, residents can visit the city's website at naperville.il.us/mosquitocontrol. By taking these precautions, residents can help reduce the risk of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses in their community.

Filed Under: Government, City

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