An increase in mosquito samples from Naperville testing positive for West Nile virus (WNV) has the DuPage County Health Department reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites and the risk of contracting WNV. This is the first positive test of WNV in mosquitoes in DuPage County this year.
The key factors in determining the degree of West Nile virus activity are temperatures and rainfall. In hot, dry weather, mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus (primarily Culex mosquitoes) breed in stagnant water, like street catch basins and ditches, and multiply rapidly.
What You Can Do:
Protect yourself, protect your family and prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your home by following the “4 Ds of Defense”:
- Drain: Drain items that collect standing water around your home, yard or business. Scrub and refill pet water dishes and bird baths regularly.
- Defend: Use an insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors and reapply according to directions.
- Dress: Wear long pants, long sleeves and closed-toe shoes when outside to cover the skin.
- Dawn to Dusk: Wear repellent outdoors during these prime times for mosquito activity.