Health Alert: West Nile Virus Positive Mosquitoes Found in Southland

The Illinois Department of Public Health on Thursday reported finding the first mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus in the Southland.

Health department staff collected the positive mosquito samples on June 28 in Evergreen Park in Cook County and Oswego in Kendall County.

“We are starting to see West Nile virus in mosquitoes and birds, and when temperatures rise and conditions dry up, we typically see increased reports of West Nile virus,” Dr. Damon T. Arnold said in a news release. “To protect yourself against illness, wear insect repellent and get rid of any stagnant water around your home to reduce the number of mosquitoes.”

The Evergreen Park Health Department issued a West Nile Virus Alert on Thursday that said mosquitoes have been identified with the West Nile virus in Palos Heights, Orland Park, Palos Hills, Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge, Hickory Hills and Evergreen Park.

There have been no human cases of the West Nile virus this season in Cook County. 

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has been infected with the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Most people with the virus have no clinical symptoms of illness, but some may become ill three to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

Only about two people in 10 who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience any illness. Illness from West Nile is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches, but serious illness such as encephalitis, meningitis and death are possible.

Persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.

Residents are asked to take precautions to reduce mosquito breeding sites, including:

• emptying bird baths
• cleaning gutters of debris
• draining pools that are not in use
• make sure no accumulation of rain water

For more information, visit West Nile Virus Found in Southland.