West nile virus chicago il

The numbers are updated every Monday. Last year, there were 42 human cases, including four deaths. State health officials said human cases are often underreported. In , 26 counties in Illinois reported a West Nile virus positive mosquito batch, bird, horse or human case. West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches.

Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks, according to the state health department. However, four out of five people infected with West Nile virus will not show symptoms. In rare cases, severe illnesses, including meningitis, encephalitis or even death, can occur. CDPH reminds residents that the most effective way to prevent West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites:.

Each year CDPH conducts a comprehensive mosquito surveillance program, which includes placing larvicide in catch basins to limit the number of mosquitoes that can carry the virus, and trapping mosquitoes throughout the city and testing them for West Nile virus. By using data, the City is able to most efficiently target high-risk areas for the virus and keep residents safe. West Nile virus cannot be transmitted from person-to-person. Instead, it is transmitted strictly through mosquitoes. Most mosquitoes do not carry the virus.

Additional information on the virus, including symptoms and how to protect against the virus can be found at chicago. TTY: An official website of the City of Chicago Here's how you know.

The site is secure. The COVID vaccines are safe and effective, and are an important tool for ending the global pandemic. Learn more at Learn more at Chicago. The best way to prevent WNV disease or any other mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Precautions include:. West Nile Virus Weekly Reports. TTY: An official website of the City of Chicago Here's how you know. Shannon Antinori , Patch Staff. Reply 1. Last year in Illinois, human cases of West Nile were reported, including 17 deaths. Find out what's happening in Chicago with free, real-time updates from Patch. Let's go! Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings.

Try to keep doors and windows shut. Eliminate, or refresh each week, all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires, and any other containers. REPEL - when outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR according to label instructions.

Consult a physician before using repellents on infants. REPORT — report locations where you see water sitting stagnant for more than a week such as roadside ditches, flooded yards, and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes. The local health department or city government may be able to add larvicide to the water, which will kill any mosquito larvae.