First West Nile Virus-Positive Mosquitoes Reported In Chicago This Year - Block Club Chicago

CHICAGO — West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes have been reported in Chicago for the first time this year, the Chicago Department of Public Health announced Friday. Mosquitos can transmit the potentially serious virus to humans via bites, but no cases of West Nile have been reported in humans in Chicago this year, according to a city health department news release. In mid-May, the state’s health department reported West Nile-positive mosquitos had been found elsewhere in Illinois. Most mosquitoes do not carry the virus. The risk of getting West Nile via mosquito bite is highest June through October, during peak mosquito season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most people infected with the virus don’t feel sick, but about 1 in 5 people develop a fever and flu-like symptoms, according to the city health department. Severe illness can occur in 1 in 150 people, mostly in people older than 55 who have weakened immune systems. Symptoms — which typically show two to six days after an infected mosquito bite — include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea and rashes, according to the CDC. Some people who get the virus will feel fatigued and weak for months, and people with severe cases can die or may need hospitalization. While most people with mild illness recover completely, fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. Severe cases can also impact the central nervous symptom and result in hospitalization or death. There aren’t licensed medications or vaccines to prevent or treat West Nile virus, according to the CDC and Chicago Department of Public Health, so preventing mosquito bites is the best way to protect yourself. “One of the best ways for Chicagoans to have a safe and healthy summer is by protecting themselves from mosquito bites,” Dr. Janna Kerins, Chicago Department of Public Health medical director, said in a press release. According to the department, Chicagoans can prevent mosquito bites by: The Chicago Department of Public Health has a “robust program to prevent and control” West Nile Virus, according to the agency. This includes treatment of over 80,000 catch basins — or specialized storm drains that collect surface water — with larvicide, doing weekly collecting and testing of mosquitoes, spraying to kill adult mosquitoes and monitoring infections in humans. People can learn more through Chicago Department of Public Health here and through the CDC here.