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West Nile virus found in Bartlett

The DuPage County Health Department reported Tuesday that its first batch of mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus has been found in Bartlett.

The sample was collected during routine surveillance May 19 at one of the county's 70 undisclosed testing sites.

The state's only other positive finding so far this year came three days earlier in Creve Coeur outside Peoria, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The first West Nile virus mosquitoes, present in Illinois since 2001, are typically seen around this time of year.

"It's completely weather-dependent," said David Hass, DuPage County Health Department spokesman. "It's seen generally at this time or a little earlier if the warmer weather arrives sooner."

Hass said it's difficult to predict whether it'll be a particularly bad season. The mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus prefer hot and dry conditions and can be wiped out with unseasonably cool weather like on Monday.

Last year, 101 human cases of West Nile disease, causing four deaths, were reported in Illinois. DuPage County had 10 cases, none fatal. In Illinois, the first human cases aren't usually reported before July.

Only a small percentage of people bitten by an infected mosquito will get sick and then it's usually a mild fever and headache. People over 50 and/or those who have chronic diseases are more at risk.

The DuPage County Health Department doesn't have the authority to conduct abatement or control measures, so it can only alert municipalities to its findings. Many towns have their own control programs but work in conjunction with the health department.

Bartlett officials requested additional spraying near the trap in response to the county's notice, said Assistant Village Administrator Paula Schumacher.

"We've been doing mosquito abatement since April and we do it every year," she said. "We also put out information about mosquito bite prevention."

While some towns choose to spray, Hass said the health department advocates mosquito larvaecide, a preventive measure Chicago uses in which pellets are dropped into standing water.

To prevent contracting the virus, the health department urges people to apply mosquito repellent containing DEET to clothing.

Protection from West Nile also includes covering skin and limiting time outdoors from dusk until dawn. Check for tight-fitting screens, clear gutters and eliminate outside containers that hold water.

Public education efforts are working, officials said. In 2002, the West Nile virus in Illinois resulted in more than 800 cases and more than 60 deaths.

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