West Nile virus found in 23 Illinois counties

GURNEE, Ill. (WLS) -- Batches of mosquitoes in 23 Illinois counties have now tested positive for West Nile virus, including Will and Lake counties. The latest batches were found this week.

Mike Adam, senior biologist for the Lake County Health Department, says a sample collected on July 16 in Gurnee tested positive for the mosquito-borne virus. People are being warned to get rid of standing water, which are potential breeding grounds.

"Look at flowerpots, dog bowls, birdbaths, even little kids' toys that are sitting in the yard for a week or more," Adam said.

Experts say they expect to see mosquitoes with West Nile until there's a frost. They also expect those numbers to grow.

Dr. Andrew Bonwit with Loyola University Hospital says there are no human cases in Illinois so far, and fortunately, most people infected won't have symptoms.

"And of those who do get clinical illness, the majority of them are going to feel crummy for a week or for 10 days and then they're going to get better," Dr. Bonwit said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, only about 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever and less than 1% will develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness. Doctors say you can protect yourself by using insect repellent with DEET and wear protective clothing.