Overview

• The Chicago Department of Public Health confirmed positive West Nile virus tests in mosquito samples collected June 13 under its weekly surveillance program.
• No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Illinois so far this year, according to CDPH.
• More than 80,000 stormwater catch basins have been treated with larvicide this season to disrupt mosquito breeding.
• Residents are urged to use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants and eliminate standing water around their homes.
• While most mosquito bites do not transmit the virus, about 20% of infections cause fever and flu-like symptoms and roughly 1 in 150 leads to severe illness in older adults and immunocompromised individuals.