CHICAGO — The local health department has elevated the risk of contracting West Nile virus to “high” after the city recently recorded three cases of the virus, Chicago’s first human cases this year.
The three patients are between 40 and 80 years old, live on the Northwest or South sides and all contracted symptoms in late July or early August, according to a news release from the Chicago Department of Public Health.
The virus spreads only through infected mosquito bites. One in five people develop fever or flu-like symptoms — but most won’t feel sick, according to the health department. One in 150 infected people over 60 years old get severely ill.
“We are seeing a higher proportion of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus than usual this year,” Chicago Public Health Commissioner Olusimbo “Simbo” Ige said in a statement. “The best way to protect yourself from West Nile virus is to avoid mosquito bites and take measures to stop them from breeding around your home.”
The health department has sprayed insecticide in nine community areas over the last two weeks and will be back at it Wednesday in Forest Glen, Norwood Park, Mount Greenwood and Beverly. On Thursday, it will spray insecticide in East Garfield Park, Near West Side and North Lawndale.
The spraying — done from trucks — begins at dusk and runs through 1 a.m.
The health department recommends Chicagoans take caution with Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellant, trimming grass and weeds and dumping away standing water in their yards.
Chicagoans should also check screens, windows and doors for holes and wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. People who are immunocompromised should consider staying indoors.
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