The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District (NSMAD) has found the first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in Evanston this year.

Batches of mosquitoes collected between May 20 and May 22 tested positive for West Nile virus in their lab on May 23. The mosquitoes were collected from NSMAD traps in Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Northbrook and Winnetka.

While the risk of being infected with West Nile virus is low at this time of year, the Evanston Health and Human Services Department and the NSMAD recommend that residents take personal protection measures to minimize mosquito bites, including using insect repellent, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and avoiding peak mosquito feeding times during the hours around dawn and dusk.

Residents are urged to examine their property and eliminate any items that can hold water, particularly smaller items that may be easily overlooked. Remember, if it can hold water, it can breed mosquitoes.

For more information, please visit cityofevanston.org/mosquitoes or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may dial 311 directly while in Evanston.