Plainfield Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile

The Will County Health Department issued this release:

Mosquitoes collected from eight gravid traps operated by the Will County Health Department have added to the county's growing West Nile Virus (WNV) totals for 2013.

Three samples taken from two Joliet traps and mosquitoes harvested from two Bolingbrook sites tested WNV-positive September 3-4. Other positive samples were identified from traps located in New Lenox, Plainfield, Mokena and University Park.


A total of 26 virus-positive mosquito samples have now been collected from traps operated by the Health Department's Division of Environmental Health. Traps operated by the city of Naperville, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Reed Township Mosquito Abatement District have also produced local positives.

No cases of human infection have been confirmed in Will County, but at least four recent human cases have been reported statewide. The Cook County Department of Public Health announced its first case of human disease September 4. Other human cases have been reported from McHenry, Morgan and Tazewell counties.

At least 1,588 virus-positive mosquito samples have now been collected from across the state. Animal and-or human WNV disease has been confirmed in at least 54 Illinois counties.

The Health Department continues to urge area residents to take personal precautions against mosquito bites. Long sleeves, pants, shoes and socks are strongly recommended. Insect repellent containing DEET or other chemical compounds known to deter mosquitoes are also advised.

For more information about West Nile Virus, visit www.idph.state.il.us or www.cdc.gov.

Will County's 24-hour WNV Information Line is available at 815-740-7631.

Will County's WNV program initiatives are made possible through grant funding provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health.