Increased West Nile Virus Activity Prompts Warning From DCHD

WHEATON, IL — Residents in DuPage County are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites after a recent surge in positive West Nile virus tests in traps throughout the area, DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) advised in a recent update.

As of Aug. 5, the county's Personal Protection Index shows a risk level of one, on a scale of zero through three. The current risk level reflects a "[l]ocalized abundance of active mosquitoes, climate conditions favorable for development of virus," the update said.

To help prevent the spread of West Nile virus, residents are advised to:

• Drain standing water and clean bird baths and pet dishes regularly
• Wear mosquito repellant with DEET when outdoors and reapply as needed
• Wear repellant between dusk and dawn, when mosquito activity is heightened
• Protect skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, along with shoes that have closed toes

Illinois recently reported its first human case of the West Nile virus for 2021. The patient, a Cook County man in his 80s, began experiencing symptoms of the virus in mid-June.

West Nile virus causes body aches, fever, vomiting, diarrhea and rash in about 20 percent of affected patients, according to DCHD. In rare cases, the virus can lead to encephalitis or meningitis.