CHICAGO — The native well being division has elevated the danger of contracting West Nile virus to “excessive” after town just lately recorded three instances of the virus, Chicago’s first human instances this yr.
The three sufferers are between 40 and 80 years outdated, stay on the Northwest or South sides and all contracted signs in late July or early August, in keeping with a information launch from the Chicago Division of Public Well being.
The virus spreads solely by way of contaminated mosquito bites. One in 5 individuals develop fever or flu-like signs — however most gained’t really feel sick, in keeping with the well being division. One in 150 contaminated individuals over 60 years outdated get severely unwell.
“We’re seeing a better proportion of mosquitoes testing optimistic for West Nile virus than typical this yr,” Chicago Public Well being Commissioner Olusimbo “Simbo” Ige mentioned in a press release. “The easiest way to guard your self from West Nile virus is to keep away from mosquito bites and take measures to cease them from breeding round your property.”
The well being division has sprayed insecticide in 9 neighborhood areas over the past two weeks and will likely be again at it Wednesday in Forest Glen, Norwood Park, Mount Greenwood and Beverly. On Thursday, it should spray insecticide in East Garfield Park, Close to West Aspect and North Lawndale.
The spraying — performed from vans — begins at nightfall and runs by way of 1 a.m.
The well being division recommends Chicagoans take warning with Environmental Safety Company-registered insect repellant, trimming grass and weeds and dumping away standing water of their yards.
Chicagoans must also test screens, home windows and doorways for holes and put on loose-fitting, light-colored clothes. People who find themselves immunocompromised ought to take into account staying indoors.
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