Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Chicago Tribune

COOK COUNTY -- Two mosquito samples collected in Evanston tested positive for the West Nile virus, marking the first signs of the disease in Cook County this summer, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced Tuesday.

The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District collected the samples on June 6, and they were tested by the Illinois Natural History Survey. Six mosquito samples have tested positive since May 1, when local and state health departments began testing for the virus. Three positive samples were found in DuPage County. In Downstate Woodford and McLean Counties, several crows have tested positive for West Nile. No human cases have been reported.

"Hot summer weather this year could result in an increased number of cases," said department spokeswoman Tammy Leonard. "We'll kind of have to wait and see."

For more information about the West Nile virus, visit www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm or call the West Nile virus hotline, 866-369-9710.