Granite City mayor urges caution after mosquito found carrying West Nile virus

A random check by the Madison County Health Department found a mosquito that tested positive for West Nile virus in the vicinity of Wilson Park in Granite City recently.

Mayor Mike Parkinson reported the finding in a letter to residents on the city’s Facebook page this week.

“The City Administration encourages residents to take necessary precautions when outdoors to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes to include wearing protective clothing and using anti-mosquito sprays,” he wrote.

Most people infected with West Nile virus don’t feel sick, according to the Pan American Health Organization.

Twenty percent experience mild symptoms, including fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, nausea, rash or swollen glands. One in 150 develops a life-threatening illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis.

The health department does random mosquito checks throughout the county, according to Parkinson’s letter.

“The City was advised by the (health department) that the most effective remedy to mosquito control is the placement of larvicide in any standing water of significance,” he wrote. “They work by killing mosquito larvae before they grow into adults and become a threat.”

Parkinson noted that many residents have asked that the city send trucks that spray insecticides along street. But the health department called this the “least effective control method.”

“Mosquitoes have to come into contact with the insecticide for them to die and the (sprayer) has no effect on larvae in water,” he wrote. “The sprayer is also the most expensive method with results not deemed worth the cost.”

“The City has been and will continue with the recommendations of the Health Department by utilizing larvicide tablets. The City of Granite City requests citizens to do their part and empty any standing water around your property and replace bird bath water daily.”

No information about the Granite City mosquito with West Nile virus appears on the health department’s Facebook page. But in recent weeks, the agency has posted several notices about how people can protect themselves from mosquito bites and stop disease spread.

Tips include:

• Use EPA-registered insect repellent
• Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing
• Remove standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs
• Use window and door screens

CBS News Chicago reported this week that mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus also have been found in the Chicago suburbs of Evanston, Glenview, Lincolnwood and Northfield.

This story was originally published July 15, 2023 at 11:14 AM.