The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St.  Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us

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Mosquito Abatement District schedules spraying

*Update: Mosquito spraying rescheduled for Thursday

Aug. 21, 2024 - As part of its efforts to minimize the viral transmission cycle of mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus, the Desplaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District has scheduled spraying in Oak Park from about 9 p.m. to midnight on Thurs., Aug. 22, weather permitting.

Spraying was initially scheduled for Wednesday night but was delayed due to weather forecast conditions.

A calm, rainless evening with temperatures no more than 85 degrees is preferred. Should unfavorable weather conditions prevail, spraying will be delayed to a subsequent night.

If spraying occurs, it will be the first time this season in Oak Park.

West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes throughout Illinois, including Oak Park.

Questions regarding spraying, including options for those medically sensitive to the insecticide, should be directed to the Desplaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District at 708.447.1765.

Public health officials say the best defense against the virus-carrying mosquitoes is to take precautions to prevent being bitten. Officials note that threat of West Nile Virus can continue until mid-October.

Take precautions... Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by wearing long sleeves and pants, limiting time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active and using insect repellant that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol. Residents also are urged to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites by cleaning roof gutters, storing containers upside down and emptying birdbaths every few days. For more information, visit www.oak-park.us./fightthebite or email health@oak-park.us.

Prevention efforts... The Des Plaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District treats all street catch basins to kill larvae every seven to 10 days during the mosquito-breeding season. The abatement district also will treat catch basins on private property by request and pick up old vehicle tires. Call 708.447.1765 or visit www.desplainesvalleymad.com for more information.

Spraying notification... Residents who wish to be notified when the Des Plaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District has scheduled spraying for adult mosquitoes can sign up at www.oak-park.us/notifyme. Registrants will be notified by an automated telephone system, email or text message as soon as possible following a decision to spray in Oak Park. Individuals without computer access may call 708.358.5694 to leave their phone number for telephone notification only. Visit www.desplainesvalleymad.com for information on spraying.

West Nile Virus risk is low, but real... Eight out of 10 people infected with West Nile Virus don’t develop any symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But about 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people who become ill recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months, the CDC says. Risk factors for developing a more severe form of West Nile virus include conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV, organ transplants and recent chemotherapy. The elderly, very young and pregnant women also are at a higher risk to contract the virus. For more information on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, click here…