West Nile Virus found in Shorewood prompts continued mosquito control measures

The Will County Health Department has informed the Village of Shorewood that West Nile Virus was detected in a mosquito trap collected within the village. Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management, the contractor responsible for mosquito abatement in Shorewood, completed its second spray application of the season on July 2, 2025. The next scheduled spraying is set for August. The village stated it will continue efforts to control mosquito populations and lower the risk of West Nile virus.

Shorewood’s mosquito control program includes both adulticiding and larviciding methods. Adulticiding uses ultra-low volume products dispersed by truck-mounted equipment to target adult mosquitoes. Larviciding targets mosquitoes in their aquatic larval stage by treating catch basins, storm drains, and standing water with biological insecticides.

Mosquitoes contract West Nile virus after biting infected birds, and humans can become infected through bites from these mosquitoes. Most people who are infected do not develop symptoms or illness. However, West Nile virus can lead to serious conditions such as encephalitis or meningitis in some cases, which may be fatal. Symptoms typically appear three to fourteen days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Diagnosis is made through blood testing; there is no specific treatment or cure for the disease.

Most mosquitoes do not carry West Nile virus, and individuals bitten by a mosquito generally do not need testing unless they develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe headaches, or a stiff neck. In those cases, health officials advise seeking medical attention immediately.

"Health officials recommend that people take the following steps to help reduce the risk of contracting any mosquito-borne disease."