Increased West Nile chance in Deerfield
The chances of being bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile in Deerfield is even greater this year. In fact, it’s up by 40 percent, and rising. 27 percent of mosquito pools the district sampled, tested positive for the virus. As if a simple mosquito bite wasn’t bad enough, now we all have to worry about West Nile 40 percent more than ever before. Deerfield, along with other Lake County communities including Highland Park, Riverwoods, Highwood and Bannockburn are experiencing an increase in mosquitoes testing positive. The increase is up even from June. At the beginning of summer, only 15 percent of samples tested positive, but in the first week of August, it’s up to 47 percent. To make matters worse, this summer’s dry, hot weather is nothing but an ideal breeding ground for those pesky mosquitoes. There have been about 25 dead birds that have had the virus across the area, from Lincolnwood to the Cook County line.
So far this summer, the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District has collected about 25 dead birds that had the virus across its area, which runs from Lincolnwood north to the Cook County line. They are spraying the area on a regular basis, which is just about the most they can do. So, needless to say, use precautions and stock up completely with OFF or whatever brand of repellent you may use. Never run short of citronella, and so forth. Stay away from standing water! Three people in the Cook County area have tested positive with the virus, so be careful!
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