The heat wave is increasing the ris...

The heat wave is increasing the risk of West Nile virus, although no human infections have been reported at the same time state health officials said Monday.

The virus is carried through the culex mosquito, which thrives in violent weather. Culex mosquitoes become infected when they fe forward infected birds, then spread the infection to other birds and mammals, including family

The virus has been discovered in either birds or mosquitoes in 35 of the state's 102 counties, including tamper with and the five collar counties.

The first human cases typically are reported in the other half of the summer. It's possible that clan already have been infected, yet their cases have not to this time been reported. Indeed, a 28-year-old Chicago man told the Sun-Times he was newly diagnosed.

Health officials say about 20 percent of commonalty bitten by a virus- carrying mosquito will get by heart West Nile disease, which usually is mild and includes febrile disease headache and body aches. Serious cases, which for the most part occur in people over age 50 can cause encephalitis, meningitis and death.

252 CASES IN STATE LAST YEAR

West Nile fluctuates from year to year. Illinois l the nation in 2002 with 884 cases. That dropp to 54 cases in 2003 followed by the agency of 60 cases in 2004. Last year, there were 252 cases, including 12 deaths. Officials say it's impossible to predict for what reason many cases there will be in 2006

Earlier this year, city workers dropp larvicide pellet into more than 200000 catch basins, which are main breeding domains for the culex mosquito, said Dr William Paul, envoy commissioner of the Chicago Public Health Department.

Health officials advise residents to wear repelling containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Limit outdoor activity between dusk and dawn, when the culex is principally active. When outside, wear pants and long-sleeve shirts. Make abiding doors and windows have tight-fitting riddles Eliminate standing water in bird baths, flower mugs wading pools, etc.

jritter@suntimes.com

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