First West Nile Virus Positive Mosquitoes Found in Evanston in 2026

The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District (NSMAD) has found the first West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in its traps in Evanston this year.

One batch of mosquitoes, collected on May 26, 2026, from an NSMAD trap in Evanston, tested positive for West Nile virus in NSMAD's lab on May 28.

While the risk of being infected with West Nile virus is low at this time of year, NSMAD and the Evanston Health & Human Services Department (EHHS) recommend that community members take personal protection measures to minimize mosquito bites, including:

• Use EPA-registered insect repellent
• Wear loose-fitting clothing
• Avoid peak mosquito feeding times around dawn and dusk
• Examine property and eliminate any items that can hold water, particularly smaller items that may be easily overlooked

Contact NSMAD by calling 847-446-9434 to report areas of stagnant water in roadside ditches, flooded yards, and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes. Remember, if it can hold water, it can breed mosquitoes. Those experiencing mosquito-related issues should submit an NSMAD Service Request. 

For more information, contact EHHS at health@cityofevanston.org or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, community members may simply dial 3-1-1 while in Evanston.