West Nile virus reported in Oak Lawn woman

OAK LAWN, Ill. (WLS) -- The first human case of West Nile virus in suburban Cook County has been reported in an Oak Lawn woman, health officials said.

The woman, who is in her 40s, was not hospitalized and is recovering at home, officials said.

The most effective way to prevent against becoming infected with West Nile virus is to follow the 3 R's:

• Remove standing water around your home in pet bowls, flower pots, old tires, baby pools and toys. Water that is allowed to stagnate for three or four days become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Repel mosquitoes when outdoors between dusk and dawn by applying insect repellent with DEET and wear light, lose fitting clothing.
• Repair or replace torn screens on doors and windows

The case comes as an elderly woman reportedly contracted the virus on Chicago's North Side as well as a human case in Porter County, Ind.

Positive mosquito pools have been reported in 61 communities including Will, Kane and Cook counties, officials said.

The virus is transmitted through a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird and includes symptoms such as fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches, officials said.