Report standing water to prevent West Nile virus.  Every spring the city of Chicago treats catch basins that are on the public way.  There are over 210,000 catch basins and they are an excellent way for mosquitoes to breed.  The Health department drops a briquette in each basin to help reduce the population of mosquitoes which will in turn reduce the risk of West Nile virus.

The Health Department also conducts mosquito surveillance.  During the summer mosquito traps are placed throughout the city.  The Health Department tests the mosquitoes for West Nile virus.  The purpose of the efforts is to prevent human disease, if testing demonstrates a high level of West Nile activity the health department will take the next steps necessary to protect and prevent human infection.

Call 311 to report standing water, dead birds or high grass/weeds.