To date, Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH)
officials report one death, 58 human cases, 365 mosquito pools
and seven birds with West Nile virus (WNV) throughout suburban
Cook County. These numbers do NOT include Chicago, Evanston,
Skokie, Stickney Township or Oak Park – these communities have
their own state certified local public health departments. “We
are seeing fewer hot, dry days but the virus continues to
circulate and residents still need to take precautions to avoid
mosquito bites,” said CCDPH interim chief operating officer,
Sandra Martell, RN, DNP. “Residents should continue to use
mosquito repellant with DEET anytime they have to be outside and
always wear light, loose fitting clothing when outdoors between
dusk and dawn. These two steps of personal protection and
removing standing water around your home continue to be the best
defense against West Nile virus.” The best way to prevent West
Nile virus is to avoid mosquito bites: - Use insect repellents
with DEET, picaridin or oil of lem