Update to the article below: On August 7, Will county reported that they recently collected two west Nile traps in Homer Glen that have come back positive with West Nile. One trap was collected on July 31 and another trap on August 6.
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As the Will County Health Department Environmental Health Division continues to monitor the West Nile Virus mosquito situation this year, they have reported seven additional positive tests for during the week of July 29th.
The week's positive tests came from Health Department mosquito traps in Joliet, Crete, New Lenox, Settlers Park in Plainfield, Central Park and Hidden Lakes in Bolingbrook, and Shorewood Park. For the entire mosquito season, the Will County Health Department has taken nearly 220 mosquito samples, 26 of which showed positive West Nile Virus activity.
Twelve of the 14 Health Department traps around the county have now produced a positive West Nile Virus sample. In addition, three birds found deceased in Will County have been shipped out for testing.
West Nile Virus can be transmitted to a human, after they are bitten by a Culex mosquito that has bitten a bird infected with WNV. Thus far in 2018, there has been one human case in Will County.
To assist with monitoring the West Nile Virus situation, Will County residents are encouraged to report any dead birds found in their yard, without physical injury, to the Health Department's West Nile Virus Hotline at (815) 740-7631. This number can also be used to report complaints concerning properties not clearing away stagnant water, which is a major attraction to the Culex mosquito.
The Will County Health Department continues to remind residents to prevent bites by wearing insect repellent with DEET. In addition, in your are outside during peak mosquito times between dusk and dawn; you should wear socks and shoes, a long sleeve shirt, and long pants.