Chicago sees its first case of West Nile this year

Chicago health officials are reporting the city’s first human case of West Nile virus this year.

The Chicago Department of Public Health said Monday that a resident in the South Side Englewood neighborhood became sick in early August and is recovering at home.

Mosquitoes transmit the virus to humans, and officials say that the insects are still active even with cooler weather and may seek warmer temperatures indoors.

They recommend residents make sure windows and doors are tightfitting and that screens don’t have holes, wear insect repellent outdoors, mow long grass and eliminate standing water.

Symptoms of West Nile may include fever, headache and fatigue and a skin rash. Symptoms may last a few days to a few weeks, though most people who contract the virus will show no symptoms.