City denies infestation

Chicago officials are dismissing a television report about a rodent infestation at O'Hare International Airport, saying the critters do not pose a public health risk to the hundreds of thousands who use the facility. A WGN-TV investigation that aired Monday night uncovered an infestation of mice and rats throughout O'Hare's Terminal One -- even among food service and preparation areas. Aviation Department spokeswoman Karen Pride says if there is a problem with rodents, the city will want to eradicate it. But she says there is no infestation. Department of Public Health spokesman Tim Hadac says his office is aware of the problem but adds the food sold at the airport is safe. Hadac says since January 2007, seven restaurants at O'Hare have been closed for various infractions of public health laws.