Mosquito Trap Tests Positive For West Nile Virus In Naperville

NAPERVILLE, IL — Residents in Naperville are being urged to take precautions against mosquitos after a trap in the city tested positive for West Nile Virus. The mosquito trap, located at Sportsman's Park, tested positive for the virus during the weeks of July 16 and July 23, according to a news release from city officials.

After the trap tested positive for West Nile Virus, crews sprayed the surrounding area and checked the premises for mosquito breeding sites as a precautionary measure.

Two human cases of West Nile Virus were recently confirmed in Will and DuPage Counties respectively. A 38-year-old Aurora woman and a woman in her 50s from Wheaton both contracted the virus in early July. Each was the first human case of the season for its county.

As of Monday, West Nile-positive traps had increased dramatically in Will County, up to 9 from just one case in June. The mosquito population likely surged after the heavy rains of late June and early July, when the subsequently high temperatures precipitated breeding conditions in standing water.

Those who contract West Nile Virus may show no symptoms initially or may display symptoms that are similar to the flu. These include:

• Fever
• Headaches
• Body aches
• Rash
• Diarrhea or vomiting

To take precautions against West Nile Virus, residents are urged to minimize contact with mosquitos by:

• Wearing mosquito repellant with a minimum of 25% DEET from sundown to sunrise when outdoors
• Wearing clothing with long sleeves and pants that cover your ankles and feet
• Eliminating standing water

You can help city and county officials track West Nile Virus by reporting any dead bird sightings at (815) 740-7631 if the bird appears that it has not been injured.

Related: Human West Nile Cases Confirmed In Will, DuPage Counties

Image via Shutterstock