Health officials in DuPage County are warning residents of a batch of mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile virus this month.
According to officials, the mosquitoes were collected May 12 from areas in Roselle, Glendale Heights and Wheaton.
No human cases have been reported yet in the county, but health officials say the presence of mosquitoes infected with the virus is a sign that residents should take precautions to prevent infection.
Among those steps are residents being asked to remove containers that hold water in outside spaces, and for residents to regularly use insect repellent, especially early in the morning and in the evening when mosquitoes are most active.
Residents are also asked to report stagnant water and other concerns to the DuPage County Health Department.
Symptoms of West Nile include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting diarrhea or rash.
Severe illness can affect the central nervous system, and can result in hospitalization or even death.
It is estimated that approximately 2,000 people around the U.S. are diagnosed with the illness each year, according to the CDC. The number is an underestimate as most people do not develop symptoms or develop symptoms that are attributed to other causes.
An estimated 1,300 people are hospitalized, and around 130 die.
Symptoms start 2-to-6 days after the person is bitten. Those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to severe illness.
Chronic medical conditions like cancer, diabetes, or high blood pressure can also raise the risk of serious infection.
More information can be found on the DuPage County Health Department’s website.
