West Nile Virus Found in Oak Park

OAK PARK, IL — West Nile Virus has been found in samples collected in Oak Park, as well as other areas throughout the region.

Two human cases of the virus have been reported this year in Illinois, according to the village of Oak Park, though officials say the risk of contracting West Nile Virus is small.

Residents are asked to take precautions to prevent the virus from spreading as temperatures rise and the virus becomes more prevalent.

Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by:

• wearing long sleeves and pants
• limiting time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
• wearing insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus

Eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites by:

• cleaning roof gutters
• storing outdoor containers upside down and emptying birdbaths every few days

For more information, call 708-358-5694, visit oak-park.us./fightthebite or email health@oak-park.us.