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After a series of mosquitoes positive for West Nile virus on August 15, officials at Crystal Lake decided to set up an additional mosquito misting system this week.
The city-wide application of misting, conducted by Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management Inc. to combat adult mosquitoes, began Wednesday at dusk and will continue from dusk to dawn on Thursday, announced city officials.
"We usually spray for one of two reasons," said Michael Magnuson, director of public works. "Most often, if the population is high, many harmful mosquitoes [pop up] in spring or summer after heavy rains or floods. The other reason we are spraying is that if we see a positive result for West Nile, that's the reason for that spraying. "
Magnuson said that, overall, the mosquito population was low and that it was the first time this year that the city was spraying.
However, a batch of mosquitoes sampled at the sewage treatment plant in the southern part of the city, on Dartmoor Drive, was found to be positive to the virus. If the virus is present, it is typical to find it in August and September. Clarke examines and treats several traps in the city each week.
"Misting is just one of the many things we do throughout the mosquito season to contain the population," Magnuson said. "We always treat sumps in stagnant water areas; we make helicopter drops several times a year to prevent the larva from forming. We are proactive now. With the upcoming Labor Day weekend, many people will be outside. This is the right time to do it. "
Clarke will also apply a synthetic pyrethroid to control adult mosquitoes.
"West Nile virus is a rare but serious disease transmitted from bird to mosquito by a human," said Emily Glasberg, an entomologist for Clarke, to whom the city outsources larval treatment and surveillance. "Adults are a prudent measure to reduce mosquito populations and minimize the risk of human transmission."
Keri Zaleski, community information coordinator, has reported no human transmission of the virus in McHenry County this year. However, she added, a positive mosquito trap was reported at Harvard on August 13th.
The county offers free larvicide to eligible government agencies that request it, she said.
Sometimes there are no symptoms of the virus, Zaleski said. But if a person has a high fever, pain and a severe headache, she should see a doctor.
Officials said residents can help control the mosquito population by monitoring potential breeding areas and alerting Clarke by calling the toll-free mosquito line at 1-800-942-2555.
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