First case of West Nile reported in Lake County since 2007

The Lake County Health Department announced Thursday a Waukegan man has been confirmed as the county's first human case of West Nile virus since 2007.

The unidentified 45-year-old man became sick on Sept. 1, was hospitalized and discharged, health department officials said.

"People tend to think that mosquito season in over at this time of year, but in reality mosquitoes can be a concern until the first frost," executive director Irene Pierce said in a news release. "Until we have our first hard freeze, it is important to wear insect repellent and take other precautions against mosquitoes."

Approximately 18 pools of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus in Lake County this year, according to the department.

Pierce said the impact of West Nile depends on weather conditions and mosquito populations. She said the county is seeing a greater number of the type of mosquitoes that carry the virus this year because of the unusually hot summer.

"This reminds us that West Nile virus remains a problem," she said in the release.