Public Health Services

Dispose of sharps or used needs using a securely taped or closed milk jug, laundry detergent jug, or sharps container. Clearly mark each container "Sharps" with a dark permanent marker and place the container next to your refuse bin on the regularly scheduled pick-up day. For questions on sharps disposal, contact the Village Manager's Office at 847-664-4010.

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus transmitted to humans and animals via mosquito bites. Most individuals infected with West Nile Virus do not experience any signs or symptoms, or may experience only minor ones, such as fever and mild headache. Anyone can contract West Nile Virus so it is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Most human cases occur in the late summer and early fall.

To protect yourself from mosquito bites, practice these tips:

• When possible, avoid places and times when mosquitoes bite (especially dusk and dawn).
• Wear shoes, socks, and light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when mosquitoes are most active.
• Make sure door and window screens fit tightly, and repair any holes.
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors and around small babies.
• Use mosquito repellents with about 30% DEET (about 10% DEET for children age 2-12). Adults should supervise repellent use on children. Do not use repellents on children under age 2 without consulting your doctor.
• Apply repellent generously to clothing and sparingly to skin, if the label permits. Always wash repellent off daily and avoid applying to cuts, irritated skin, and your eyes, lips, and nose.
• Do not rely on insect light electrocuters ("bug zappers").
• Remove standing water from around your house because mosquitoes may lay their eggs in standing water. Be sure to check gutters, artificial containers such as wheelbarrows, buckets, water cans, or rain barrels, and areas with poor drainage.
• Report a dead bird or remove it using rubber gloves or a plastic bag to pick up the bird, double bag the bird, and then discard the bird in the trash. 

Report Standing Water

For properties east of Pfingsten and south of Dundee, report mosquito-breeding sites to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District at 847-446-9434.

For properties west of Pfingsten and north of Dundee, report mosquito-breeding sites to the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District at 847-537-2306.

Radon is an odorless and colorless gas that naturally occurs in rock and soil. It can seep into homes through cracks in basement floors and foundations, crawl spaces, poorly sealed sump pumps, porous cinder block walls, and other foundation floors and wall penetrations.

Reduce radon by:

• Filling or sealing any cracks, crevices, or holes in the foundation.
• Providing a tight fitting, sealed lid for the sump pit.
• Maintaining a water level in trapped floor drains.

Check out the Illinois Emergency Management Agency’s, Cook County’s Radon Testing flyer, or the Environmental Protection Agency’s website for more information. 

Be aware of recent recalls.