Six new Cook County West Nile cases confirmed

Six more cases of the West Nile virus have been confirmed in suburban Cook County, bringing the total number this season to 10.

The new cases include a 45-year-old Bartlett woman and 65-year-old Prospect Heights man, health officials said. Other cases were confirmed in Glenview, Harwood Heights, Hinsdale and Dolton.

The report from the Cook County Department of Public Health on Wednesday comes a week after a 69-year-old Palos Hills woman died from the mosquito-borne illness.

West Nile Virus is spread to humans via bites from infected mosquitoes. The illness typically appears three to 15 days after being bitten.

Most people infected with the virus feel no symptoms or experience a short-term flu-like illness. In more severe cases, the afflicted can suffer from encephalitis or meningitis.

"Recent hot weather drove the number of infected mosquitoes higher, causing a greater risk of illness," said Stephen A. Martin, the health department's chief operating officer. "We will probably see spikes of warmer temperatures, which means that mosquitoes will continue to multiply.

To combat West Nile, officials recommend emptying or covering water-collecting containers such as garbage cans, birdbaths, swimming pools and pet bowls.

They also advise limiting time outdoors at dusk, when mosquito activity is at its heaviest. If you must go outside, officials say to keep your skin covered with long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks.

For more information, call the Cook County health department's West Nile information line at (866) 369œ9710.