The health departments in DuPage and Will counties are reporting that mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus have been found in traps in area six towns.

       In DuPage County, positive samples were identified from mosquito batches in Medinah, Wheaton and Wood Dale. Will County traps with infected mosquitoes were in Mokena, Frankfort and Plainfield.

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       No reports of anyone contracting West Nile virus have been reported this year.

       Residents are reminded to protect themselves from mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases, particularly anyone who is older or has a weakened immune system, news releases from both departments said. Any standing water where mosquitoes can breed should be discarded.

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       West Nile virus typically causes mild, flu-like symptoms, and most people who are infected do not display any symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

       Symptoms include fever, headaches, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. About one in 150 people develop a severe illness that affects the central nervous system, such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), which can be serious or deadly, the CDC says.

       Originally Published: Jul 19, 2023 at 1:21 pm