DuPage reports mosquitoes test positive for West Nile

Testing on scores of mosquito traps throughout DuPage County have indicated that insects carrying the West Nile virus are in 10 communities.

The batches that tested positive for the disease were found in Clarendon Hills, Darien, Bloomingdale, Roselle, Elmhurst, Bensenville, Lombard, Warrenville, Wheaton and West Chicago, DuPage health department officials said.

The increase in positive results was expected after heavy rains were followed by warm dry weather, officials said. Recent flooding provides more locations for females to lay eggs. The virus is spread by mosquitoes feeding on infected birds.

DuPage health officials said about two out of every 10 people bitten are infected and experience illnesses that include flu-like symptoms. The virus can be particularly dangerous to children, the elderly and the infirm.

Additional information about the testing and results can be found dupagehealth.org.