Geneva’s mosquito abatement contractor will be spraying an application of insecticide citywide Saturday, Aug. 30 after levels of West Nile Virus were detected in a mosquito trap on the City’s west side Aug. 21.

Spraying is scheduled to take place from 10 p.m. Aug. 30 to 2 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 31.

Clarke Environmental will be using a synthetic treatment that is safe for humans and pets, although people with asthma and other respiratory conditions are advised to stay indoors with their windows closed during the misting application and one hour afterward.

Geneva is again coordinating its mosquito spraying with Batavia and St. Charles to provide a more effective coverage area over the Tri-Cities. The spraying will be rescheduled to 10 p.m. Aug. 31 if rain or if high winds enter the forecast.

According to the Kane County Health Department, the best way to prevent the West Nile Virus or any other mosquito-borne illness is to take the following precautions:

• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn. Use prevention methods whenever mosquitoes are present.

• When outdoors, wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Apply insect repellent that includes DEET, but consult a physician before using repellents on infants.

• Make sure doors and windows have tight fitting screens; repair and replace screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night.

• Change water in birdbaths weekly. Properly maintain wading pools and stock ornamental ponds with fish. Cover rain barrels with 16-mesh wire screen.

For more information on West Nile Virus, visit the Kane County Health Department’s website at www.kanehealth.com.