Kids & Family

West Nile Virus Found in Minooka

Live trap in Minooka detects mosquitos infected with West Nile Virus.

A live trap that was placed in the to test mosquitoes for West Nile Virus has tested positive. The traps are placed in the village by Clarke and the Illinois Department of Health.

“West Nile Virus is a rare but serious disease transmitted from bird to mosquito to human,” George Balis, an entomologist for Clarke said in a written release. “Minooka has an integrated mosquito control program that helps reduce mosquito populations, but it’s prudent to take personal precautions.”

If you live in Will County and find a dead bird in your yard, you are asked to call Information Line at 815-740-7631. The line is open 24 hours. Adult crows and blue jays are testing priorities.

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“WNV poses potential health risks for everyone,” Will County Health Department Executive Director John Cicero said. “We are interested in the location of dead birds because that information is one way we are able to assess the potential for local virus activity."

In addition to Minooka’ initiatives to control mosquitoes, the following yard and home checklist can help homeowners eliminate standing water and other mosquito breeding grounds.

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  • Discard old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles or any water holding containers in and around the property.
  • Fill in or drain any low places (puddles, ruts) in yard.
  • Keep drains, ditches and culverts clean of weeds and trash so water will drain properly.
  • Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater.
  • Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets to prevent puddles of standing water.
  • Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store them indoors when not in use.
  • Make sure your backyard pool is properly cared for while on vacation.
  • Fill in tree root holes and hollow stumps that hold water with sand or concrete. 
  • Change the water in bird baths and plant pots or drip trays at least once a week.

Clarke will be going forth with a scheduled fog application Sept. 2, as part of Minooka’s control program, unless inclement weather creates a problem. If there should be rain or high winds the fog application will be pushed back.

For more information on mosquito control tips, call (800) 942-2555.

Editor's Note: This post was compiled with information from the Village of Minooka and the Will County Health Department.

Patch has compiled a of other towns where West Nile Virus was detected.


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