Cook County Officials Urge Protection Against West Nile Virus This Summer
During National Mosquito Control Awareness Week -June 21
Suburban Cook County, IL – West Nile virus season is here and Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is launching its annual “Fight the Bite” public awareness campaign to encourage residents to take precautions against West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne disease that can cause serious illness and, in rare cases, can be deadly.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito that has fed on infected birds.
“As people enjoy the outdoors during the summer season, we want them to be aware of West Nile virus and know how to protect themselves from this potentially serious disease,” said Dr. Kiran Joshi, chief operating officer at Cook County Department of Public Health.
The department’s Fight the Bite campaign includes television and radio advertisements, Pace bus shelter ads, digital advertising on Meta and Google platforms, social media outreach, and educational materials for residents and community partners.
Fight the Bite encourages four simple steps to reduce the risk of infection:
1. Use EPA-registered insect repellent.
Repellents containing 20% to 50% DEET are effective for adults. Child-friendly repellents containing 20% to 30% DEET are sufficient for children.
2. Eliminate standing water around your home.
Empty flowerpots, old tires, buckets, birdbaths, and plastic wading pools where mosquitoes can breed.
3. Repair damaged window and door screens.
Make sure screens fit tightly and do not have holes or gaps.
4. Take extra precautions at dawn and dusk.
Mosquito activity is often greatest during these times. Consider limiting outdoor activities when possible.
Throughout the season, CCDPH, through its partners, monitors mosquito populations across suburban Cook County through a network of mosquito traps and tests mosquito samples for the virus. Research shows mosquito surveillance can warn the public that an outbreak is coming several weeks before a human case is reported. Weekly surveillance updates will be shared on CCDPH social media channels and can be an indicator for increased risk.
Many people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms and don’t become ill. However, some may develop mild symptoms such as fever, headache, rash, and body aches three to 15 days after infection.
More severe symptoms are called neuroinvasive, meaning the virus has affected the nervous system, including the brain or spinal cord. These symptoms can include high fever, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, and inflammation of the brain, which may result in permanent neurological damage or death.
People over age 50 and those with certain underlying health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and weakened immune systems, are at greater risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.
In 2025 in Suburban Cook County, there were 44 reported cases of West Nile virus, 32 cases were neuroinvasive, and four West Nile-associated deaths. Across Illinois, West Nile virus activity increased significantly in 2025 compared to 2024. The state reported 150 confirmed human cases, more than double the 69 cases reported in 2024. Ten deaths were reported in 2025, compared with 13 deaths the year before.
To learn more about West Nile virus prevention, visit FightTheBiteCookCounty.com
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