A batch of up to 50 mosquitoes collected Monday in north suburban Wilmette have tested positive for the West Nile virus, officials for the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District said Wednesday. The infected mosquitoes were uncovered in a trap on June 17, adding to the list of cases in the Chicago a rea this summer. This comes days after the Chicago Sun-Times reported that the first case of West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples were found on June 12. Positive mosquito samples have also been found in Evanston and Northbrook this season, according to the district.Despite the findings, officials say there is currently a low risk to residents and no human cases have been reported in the area."There is no current threat to citizens," said Dave Zazra, a media representative for NSMAD. West Nile virus has been a recurring public health concern in Illinois since it was first detected here in 2001. In 2002, all but two of Illinois' 102 counties had reported West Nile activity, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.The virus was originally detected in 2001, and humans were reported to have the virus in 2002. That was the worse year according to the media person I talked to and the IDPH website. And that's what happened in 2002, so that year all but 102 counties reported activity.Since then, Illinois has recorded West Nile-positive mosquitoes every year and has not gone a season without mosquito detection.Residents are encouraged to remove any standing water on their property, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and more."It only takes a couple tablespoons of water to breed," Zazra said.The virus is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes, according to the IDPH. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on dead birds that carry the virus. The disease cannot spread from person to person.While most infected people do not develop symptoms, severe symptoms include high fevers, body aches and in some cases severe neurological damage. ...read more read less