Crystal Lake Mosquito Samples Show West Nile Virus

Mosquito samples recently taken from traps in have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to the city officials.

In response to the positive mosquito samples, Crystal Lake is implementing additional mosquito control efforts.

A city-wide adulticide application will take place overnight between Thursday, Aug. 30, and Friday, Aug. 31.

If weather conditions do not allow the application to occur as scheduled, the application will take place on the next available evening. 

The application, in addition to the city’s existing mosquito control program, will better control the mosquito population, decreasing the potential for spreading West Nile Virus to humans. 

Wondering how there is a West Nile Virus problem when there is a drought?

 Numbers for flood mosquitoes are low this year because of the dry weather. However, the culex mosquitoes - those that carry West Nile Virus - lay their eggs in small pools of standing water.

The eggs don't need much water to hatch. For that reason, residents should take the time to empty water that may have collected in bacyard toys, bird baths, tires, and the like, one city official said. 

West Nile Virus emerged in the United States in the New York metropolitan area in the fall of 1999. Since then, the virus, which can be transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, has quickly spread across the country, according to information on the city website.

The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends the following steps people can take to help reduce the risk of contracting any mosquito-borne disease. 

• Apply insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants. 
• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn. 
• When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. 
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night. 
• Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and any other receptacles. 

Questions regarding the application, or any other part of Crystal Lake’s Mosquito Abatement Program can be directed to the Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management Hotline at 1-800-942-2555. 

Additional information regarding the West Nile Virus, adulticiding and repellents is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website  or the Illinois Department of Public Health website.