West Nile mosquitoes found in South Elgin

A pool of mosquitoes in the South Elgin area has tested positive for West Nile virus, health officials said Wednesday.

The results come about a month after two birds and another mosquito pool in Kane County also tested positive.

Officials said no human cases have been discovered locally so far this year, but homeowners should still try to reduce the mosquito count by removing pools of standing water from their properties.

"Temperatures this summer have been very warm, which is one of the main ingredients for a West Nile virus-carrying Culex mosquito," Kane County Health Department Executive Director Paul Kuehnert said in a news release. "All of the rain we've had only serves to point out the necessity of inspecting our homes and yards regularly to remove sources of standing water from clogged gutters, old tires and bird baths."

There were no human cases of West Nile reported in Kane County during last year's unusually mild summer. Three cases were reported in 2008, and 13 the year before, according to the health department.

For more information, visitkanehealth.com or call (866) 369-9710.