Cook County Department of Public Health is urging residents to stay vigilant and take precautions against mosquitoes, which carry the potentially deadly West Nile virus. The risk of human West Nile virus infection remains high in suburban Cook County. West Nile virus occurs in humans when they are bitten by mosquitoes that contracted the virus by feeding on infected birds. Since May 11, when the surveillance period for the virus began, through Aug. 30, suburban Cook County has recorded 25 cases of West Nile virus.  Of those cases, 17 cases were neuroinvasive, meaning that the central nervous system was affected.   Cook County Department of Public Health encourages residents to take the following extra precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites and prevent West Nile virus:

• Drain standing water around your home, don’t allow mosquitoes to breed!

• Be extra precautions or limit time outdoors during dusk and dawn

• Repair torn screens and ensure that they are tight fitting without gaps.

For more information about Cook County Department of Public Health programs, visit www.cookcountypublichealth.org.