More evidence of West Nile virus

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- State health authorities have found more evidence of the potentially fatal West Nile virus in Illinois.

Public Health Director John Lumpkin reported Thursday that 18 more dead birds found in Chicago and various Cook and DuPage county locations have preliminarily tested positive for the virus.

That brings to 25 the number of birds that have either been confirmed or are possible positives since the virus was first detected in the state Sept. 5.

Officials also reported two new pools of mosquitoes collected in Cook County suburbs preliminarily tested positive for the virus.

No human cases have been reported in Illinois.

Lumpkin said in a statement that the continued findings of positive birds and mosquitoes is what would be expected given that the virus is spread by birds that can travel hundreds of miles. He reiterated his comment of earlier this month that Illinoisans should presume the virus is present throughout the state.

Although the virus may be fatal, especially to the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, the threat to the public is considered minimal, and fewer than 1 percent of people bitten by an infected mosquito become seriously ill, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

State health officials recommend such precautionary measures as wearing long-sleeved shirts, using mosquito repellent and not going out at dawn and dusk, when mosquitos are most active.