West Nile Virus
Virus-positive mosquitoes have been found in four counties: Cook, LaSalle, Morgan, and St. Clair, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. While no human cases have been reported yet, Chicago health officials are encouraging residents to take precautions, such as:
- Use a repellent with DEET, Picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil
- Keep grass and weeds short
- Opt for light-colored, long-sleeved clothes
+ Check IDPH’s West Nile virus tracker, which is updated Mondays.
Is Chicago a ‘Mosquito’ City?
The news about the virus came after Chicago was named No. 2 on pest control company Orkin’s annual top mosquito cities list, a list the city has topped for the last couple of years.
Why are mosquitoes bad here? Well, mosquitoes are attracted to bodies of water — all types, whether they’re clean, polluted, large or small, according to Orkin. And, uh, we do have that big ol’ lake to the east.
