The Illinois Department of Public Health is asking people to take action to prevent mosquito bites as West Nile Virus cases increasingly crop up around the state.
There were 119 human cases reported last year, compared to 34 in 2022. To date, there are no human cases yet this year.
The basic three R's of avoiding mosquito bites are Reduce, Repel, and Report.
That includes making sure your home doesn't have ways for mosquitoes to get in, and dealing with standing water on your property that could serve as a mosquito breeding ground. Wear long pants and light long sleeves outdoors, and use repellant. Report stagnant water in roadside ditches and other locations to your local health department.
West Nile Virus is transmitted from birds to humans via mosquito bites. The illness can cause fever, nausea, muscle aches, and even death in some cases.
Thirteen counties have reported birds or mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus this year, including Woodford and Fulton.
