The Cicero Health Department is cautioning residents about a rise in the incidents of West Nile Virus in the Chicagoland region and suburban communities. Laura Rubio, RN, Director of Health and Commissioner of Public Health in Cicero said health officials from the region have found of positive cases of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes near the town and nearby communities. Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management informed the Health Department this week about this health development. In response to the situation, they visited our area Tuesday evening to implement necessary measures to control the adult mosquito population. As part of their efforts, they conducted spraying activities. We will keep the community informed on this deadly virus spread by mosquitos. West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. You can reduce your risk of WNV by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites. The CDC offers basic tips to prevent this contagion from spreading: https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/prevention/index.html