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West Nile Mosquitoes Found In The Suburbs

CHICAGO (STMW) - Mosquitoes taken in a trap on the East Side of Aurora have tested positive for the West Nile virus, the Kane County Health Department said Friday.

This is the first positive test reported in the county this year. Health officials noted that so far there have been no reported West Nile cases in humans, and no birds have tested positive in the county.

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West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Most people with the virus have no symptoms of illness, health officials said, although in the most serious instances, encephalitis and meningitis may result. People older than 50 have the highest risk of severe disease.

Last year, there were five cases reported in people in Kane County.

© Sun-Times Media Wire Chicago Sun-Times 2011. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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