Groups of mosquitoes and several birds in neighboring towns of Lake Zurich have tested positive for West Nile virus, due to the spreading of the virus in the hot summer months.

            Since 2002, Illinois has experienced over 1,600 confirmed cases of West Nile virus, with 26 cases and one death so far this year. Out of the 1,600 cases, 36 were reported in Lake County. Also, three of the 105 reported deaths in the state due to West Nile virus were in Lake County, according to Lake County’s website.

West Nile virus is a disease that spreads from infected mosquitoes to birds and possibly humans. Culex mosquitoes, which are the most common carriers of the disease, are currently thriving in the southern portion of Lake County due to the hot and dry temperatures of the summer, according to Mike Adam, senior biologist for the Lake County health department.    

            “This type of mosquito prefers to bite birds. They will most likely stick to the birds, but some mosquitoes might choose to bite a human,” Adam said. “They also like the hot and dry weather that we have had most of the summer, that’s why the numbers are higher this year.”

            Although infected mosquitoes are more abundant this year, according to Adam, healthy children and adults who contract the virus might simply show the symptoms of the flu, which are similar to those of West Nile virus. It is possible to be bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile virus and not be aware of it.

            “Healthy individuals might experience headache, a low fever, body ache, a rash, or vomiting. However, people older than 50 or with a low immune system could have a stiff neck, a high fever, muscle weakness, a severe headache, numbness or a possible coma. The most extreme cases can result in death,” the West Nile Hotline of Lake County said.

            For students like Shelby Rigsby, sophomore, who is allergic to mosquito bites, even a normal mosquito bite can have a negative reaction.

            “When I get a mosquito bite, I have to do everything to make sure I don’t scratch it. If I don’t scratch it, the bite will stay normal and go away soon enough. If I do scratch, the bite will get larger and larger, it will become warmer, and it will kind of hurt. When I go outside at night, I try and wear a sweatshirt and long pants. I have to use a lot of mosquito spray too. It would be incredibly bad if I got West Nile virus,” Rigsby said.

            In order to prevent mosquito bites, limit outdoor activities at dusk hours, wear clothing that minimizes exposed skin, make sure all door and window screens fit properly and have no holes that would allow mosquitoes to enter, and to apply insect repellent, preferably containing DEET, according to the West Nile Hotline.

            “People might think that since there are fewer mosquitoes out this year, it is less likely for them to get West Nile virus, but it’s actually the opposite. There might be fewer mosquitoes, but those mosquitoes that are outside are more likely to be carrying the disease,” Adam said. “You have to really watch yourself when you go outside, and make sure you always wear mosquito repellent.”