Update: The City of Geneva has also announced a citywide spray, according to a press release. Spraying is scheduled from dusk to dawn from July 26 into Thursday, July 27.
A mosquito surveillance trap in Kane County has tested positive for West Nile Virus. The sample was taken the week of July 17, from a trap in the City of Batavia monitored by the Kane County Health Department. This is the first sample from the county to test positive for the virus in 2023.
As a result, the City of St. Charles announced today that it will be conducting a citywide spray the evening of Wednesday, July 26, weather permitting. The evening of July 27 is the alternate spray date if it rains on July 26.
In a press release, the city stressed that the city’s vendor uses a synthetic treatment that is safe for humans and pets, but that people with a respiratory condition should stay indoors and close the windows during the application.
According to the IDPH, there were 34 human cases (which are significantly under-reported) and eight deaths attributed to the disease in the state in 2022, the most in any year since 2018, when there were 17 deaths.
While no human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported so far this year in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reminds residents that the virus still remains a health threat, especially for persons older than 50 years of age.
To prevent bites, use insect repellent, avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk hours when mosquitoes are most active, and wear long sleeves.
What you can do to reduce mosquito population in your yard:
- Discard old tires, tin cans, buckets or any water-holding containers outside.
- Fill in or drain any low places in the yard.
- Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater.
- Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.
- Empty plastic wading pools at least once each week and store indoors when not in use.
- Make sure your backyard pool is properly cared for—especially when on vacation.
- Change the water in birdbaths and planters frequently.
- Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well-trimmed around the house.
(Kanecountyconnects.com contributed to this article.)
