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.
Ironically, Chicago is also among cities least concerned about mosquitoes …
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