Heat Boosted West Nile Activity, Health Officials Say

The dry, hot weather has created the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus.

The number of virus-positive mosquito pools has increased in suburban Cook County. Now, officials with the Cook County Department of Public Health are reinforcing the need for residents to take extra care to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Mosquito pools in 68 communities that span all regions of suburban Cook County have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the most recent chart, which was updated Aug 10. Officials have found six birds that tested positive for the virus. Five human cases have been pinpointed. The risk only increased with this .

“Right now most residents are focused on protecting themselves from the heat and not thinking much about West Nile Virus prevention,” said CCDPH interim chief operating officer, Sandra Martell. “However, it’s the extreme heat and dry weather that is increasing the risk of infection. The Culex mosquito, the primary carrier of West Nile Virus in our region, breeds outdoors in very small amounts of water during the hot, dry heat so residents need to take precautions.”

West Nile virus is transmitted to people from the bite of a mosquito, which gets the virus from biting an infected bird.

In the United States, most people are infected from June through September, and the number of these infections usually peaks in mid-August, according to the news release. 

Roughly one in five people who become infected with the virus develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash, the health department said. Less than 1 percent will develop a serious neurological illness such as encephalitis or meningitis.

People older 50 and those with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and organ transplants, are at greater risk for serious illness.

The Cook County Department of Public Health offers these tips for the best way to avoid mosquito bites and prevent West Nile virus:

• Use insect repellents when you go outdoors.
• Wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors.  
• Use air conditioning, if you have it.
• Empty standing water from items outside your home such as flowerpots, buckets and kiddie pools.

Treating West Nile virus:

There are no medications to treat, or vaccines to prevent, West Nile virus infection, the health department said. People with milder illnesses typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for several weeks. 

Severe cases may require hospitalization so patients receive supportive treatments, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication and medical care. Anyone with symptoms that cause concern should contact a health care provider.

Residents in Palos Heights, Palos Hills and Palos Park who are interested in monitoring West Nile virus in the area should reference charts displaying the various incidents of positive and negative findings.

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