West Nile Virus Alert in Cook County | Chicago News

Chicago News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 29, 2026 · 1m

West Nile virus is back in suburban Cook County, with four adults testing positive this year — the first cases of 2026 and a warning sign that mosquito season is heating up. Health officials say risk is high as summer progresses, since the virus spreads through bites from mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. Most people won’t feel a thing, but for some it can lead to serious neurological damage. Stay safe by using EPA-approved repellent (DEET works best), wearing long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk, and eliminating standing water around your home — even small puddles in buckets or…