West Nile Virus Update

Updated August 11 with City of Wheaton Press Release

Here is the current map of the mosquito traps in DuPage County. Apparently 89 have tested positive for West Nile Virus carrying mosquitoes.

Clicking will open a  New Window> West Nile Mosquito Traps

Clicking on the symbols over Lake Michigan on the map will reveal the meaning of the Green, Yellow and Red.

PRESS RELEASE - City of Wheaton

Thursday, August 09, 2012

West Nile Virus Activity Prompts Mosquito Spraying

WHEATON, Ill. – In response to the increased West Nile virus activity in DuPage and the surrounding counties, the Wheaton Mosquito Abatement District has scheduled a mosquito spraying for Monday evening, Aug. 13, 2012. West Nile virus is a potentially serious illness that can be transmitted by mosquitoes. The treatment will cover the entire district and is intended to reduce the numbers of mosquitoes that are known to transmit West Nile virus to people.   

There have been six reports of West Nile disease in residents living in Cook County. Additionally, the DuPage County Health Department’s testing of adult mosquitoes indicates a high incidence of West Nile virus infection in the adult mosquito population.   

The District is continuing to inspect and treat known mosquito breeding sites throughout the area to help limit the development of new mosquitoes. The district needs your continued help to prevent new mosquitoes by disposing of any standing water you find on your property. The culex mosquito that transmits West Nile virus easily breeds in small amounts of water that collect in containers around residential property.    

Don’t forget to “fight the bite.” If possible, avoid outdoor activity when mosquitoes are present and active. Dawn and dusk are the periods of the day when mosquitoes are most apt to bite. If you are out when mosquitoes are present, wear protective clothing such as light-colored, long-sleeved shirt and pants. You should use insect repellants to discourage mosquitoes from landing and biting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides current information on mosquito repellants. 

Clarke Mosquito Control has been contracted to provide all district mosquito control services this year. Call their hotline at 800-942-2555 if you have questions or problems. 

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A Personal Perspective 
This year, I haven't received any calls from residents complaining about mosquitoes, venting their concerns about this possible problem in our association or threatening me and the association by stating the intention to call the city and the county and report the association for a lack of due diligence in this matter.

Before we celebrate, it has nothing to do with the number of reported incidences in the County, or what this association is doing. This year, I suspended the use of the cellphone "donation" I had made to the association. So I no longer receive those calls, or respond to calls on that cellphone.. Those complaint calls were a major reason for the disconnect. I think most people would agree with my decision, if they were in my shoes. It's usually easy to spend someone else's money, isn't it?

Notes:

1. I regret the disconnect. but  I am not on this planet to be a sounding board or a target for those with an axe to grind. If anyone has any complaints about this, I suggest they contact their friends or come to an association meeting and I'll be glad to give them an earful. I preferred to have that phone available because I was of the opinion it could improve communications. But I concluded it wasn't serving the population of this association. It instead was providing a channel for complaints. Yes, those who called me from time to time with legitimate issues were also cut off. I regret that. However, there are consequences for the actions of the few. I spent about $350 from my pocket to provide that service.