The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District has found positive traces of the West Nile virus in seven neighboring suburbs, but so far not in Evanston, the agency reported Wednesday.
This despite the fact that more batches have been tested in Evanston—85—than in any of the other communities in the district.
So far this season, the virus has been detected in Glencoe, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northbrook, Skokie, and Winnetka, but none has been found by the agency in Glenview/Golf, Kenilworth, Northfield, Wilmette, or Evanston.
Earlier this month, however, the Evanston Health and Human Services Department reported finding the virus in Evanston.
Nevertheless, the agency recommends that residents take personal protection measures to minimize mosquito bites, including the use of insect repellent on exposed skin, wearing light colored, loose fitting clothing, and avoiding peak mosquito feeding times during the hours around dawn and dusk.
Residents are urged to examine their property and eliminate any items that can hold water, particularly smaller items that may be easily overlooked.
“Remember, if it can hold water, it can breed mosquitoes,” the agency warns.