As mosquito season kicks off, Illinois health officials are urging the public to “Fight the Bite.”
The Illinois Department of Public Health says West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes across 17 counties, including Cook, Peoria, and Winnebago—but no human cases yet this year.
Last year, 69 people were infected, and 13 died.
IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra recommends following the “Three R’s”: reduce mosquito entry into your home, repel with insect repellent, and report standing water where mosquitoes breed.
Surveillance is ongoing statewide, with $2.8 million in support for local health departments.
