Lake County Gazette

A mosquito "pool" — a batch of mosquitoes — tested positive for West Nile virus from a June 12 sample in Highland Park. This was the first confirmed indicator of West Nile virus in Lake County in 2024.

"We expect mosquitoes every summer, but it's important to remember that they can also carry diseases like West Nile virus," said Mark Pfister, executive director of the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center, according to a Lake County press release.

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center recommended steps for families to protect themselves from the disease. These include draining standing water from items around their home, yard, and business. Residents should use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, 2-undecanone, or iR3535 and reapply it according to label instructions. They should protect themselves day and night and wear repellent outdoors during the prime times of dawn and dusk for mosquito activity. Wearing long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes when outdoors to cover skin is also recommended.

According to the Lake County press release, the primary carriers of West Nile virus, Culex pipiens mosquitoes, are most abundant when the weather is dry and hot. Prevent them from breeding by eliminating areas of stagnant water like buckets, gutters, plant containers, kiddie pools, and any other items holding water around homes and businesses.

Most people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms of illness. Some may become ill three to fifteen days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms may include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle ache.