West Nile virus season is here. Cook County Department of Public Health is launching a new public awareness campaign that encourages residents to take precautions against West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne disease, which, in rare cases, can be deadly.
The virus occurs in humans when they are bitten by mosquitoes that contracted the virus by feeding on infected birds.
“As more people begin to 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 deadly disease,” said Dr. Kiran Joshi, chief operating officer of Cook County Department of Public Health.
The department’s Fight The Bite awareness campaign, which has been around since 2013, has a new look, with earth colors that reflect nature and the outdoors, new advertising tactics and a new communications toolkit that organizations can share with their constituents.
The campaign, funded with a $50,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health, consists of an animated video, digital billboards, Pace bus shelter ads, Meta and Google display ads and geofencing around parks, forest preserves, trails and outdoor venues in suburban Cook County.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County is collaborating with Cook County Department of Public Health on spreading awareness about West Nile virus.
“We want people to know that you can enjoy the outdoors, especially our 70,000 acres of natural land, and protect yourself from mosquito bites just by doing simple things: Wear insect repellent and light-colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants,” said Eileen Figel, interim general superintendent of the Forest Preserves.
Most people infected by the virus have no symptoms and never get ill, but some may develop mild symptoms, such as fever, headache, rash and body aches three to 15 days after infection.
More severe symptoms include a high fever, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness and inflammation of the brain, which could lead to permanent neurological damage or death.
“We’re especially concerned about people over age 50 with chronic diseases, such as heart disease or cancer. This population may be more at risk for serious illness from West Nile virus,” Joshi said.
In suburban Cook County, 19 West Nile virus cases and five deaths from the disease were reported in 2024, according to Cook County Department of Public Health surveillance data. That was the highest number of West Nile virus deaths reported since eight deaths in 2018. In all of Illinois, 69 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus and 13 human deaths were reported last year, the highest number since 17 deaths were recorded in 2018.
Tips:
- Apply EPA-registered insect repellent to keep mosquitoes away.
A repellent containing 20% to 50% Deet is good for adults, and a child-friendly repellent with 20% to 30% Deet is sufficient for children. - Drain standing water around your home.
That includes flowerpots, old tires, buckets and plastic wading pools. - Repair torn window screens.
Screens should be tight-fitting without gaps. - Beware during dusk and dawn, when mosquito activity is heaviest.
Limit time outdoors during this period.
Insect repellent should be applied properly. EPA-registered insect repellents should only be applied to exposed skin or on top of clothing. Repellent should not be sprayed directly on the face and should not be applied to children younger than two months old.
Get more tips and learn more at FightTheBiteCookCounty.com.
