West Nile Virus, Streamwood, Illinois (IL)

West Nile Virus Update

The Northwest Mosquito Abatement District has detected the presence of West Nile Virus in recently collected mosquitoes in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Prospect Heights, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village and Streamwood.

The Cook County Department of Public Health will continue to submit dead birds for laboratory testing for West Nile Virus. Birds tested will include crows, blue jays, grackles, starlings, sparrows, finches, robins, cardinals, flycatchers, swallows, catbirds, mockingbirds, warblers and wrens. Dead birds reported cannot be dead longer than 24 hours and must be in good condition (i.e., no signs of attack, decay or read kill). Dead birds can be reported to the West Nile Virus hotline, 708-492-2650.

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne illness. Its symptoms are similar to influenza and can be treated without incident. Mild cases of West Nile infections may cause a slight fever or headache. More severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of a high fever with head and body aches, tremors, and, in the most severe cases, paralysis or death. Symptoms usually occur within 3 to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Persons at the highest risk for serious illness are those 50 years of age or older.

The best way to prevent West Nile and other mosquito-borne illnesses is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites. To prevent mosquito-borne illnesses and to increase your enjoyment of the outdoors this summer, the Health Department recommends the following:

R Use insect repellent. Repellent should contain between 25-35 percent DEET. This should be applied sparingly to exposed skin or clothing. However, you should consult a physician before using repellent on young children.

R Stay indoors at dawn, dusk and early evening. This is a mosquito’s high activity time. If you must be outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts that cover exposed skin. Loose-fitting, light colored clothing is best.

R Repair torn screens. Check around your home for tears or gaps in your screen doors and windows. Repair ripped or torn screens, including on patios and porches.

R Eliminate stagnant water in and around your yard. This is a mosquito’s breeding ground. Empty bird baths, non-aerated ponds, flowers pot reservoirs, wading pools, old tires and any other receptacles which hold water.

The Illinois Department of Public Health West Nile virus hotline is active, and provides general information about West Nile and mosquito control. Their information hotline is (866) 369-9710 (Toll-free), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Please note that the Village does not perform data collection on infected birds, nor does the Village provide mosquito abatement. These services are provided by Cook County and the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District, respectively.

For more information on West Nile in the area, or to report dead birds, visit the Cook County Department of Public Health.

For information on mosquito abatement programs in your neighborhood, please visit the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District.

Village of Streamwood
301 E. Irving Park Road
Streamwood, IL 60107-3096
(630) 736-3800

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