Cook County Department of Public Health has reported that since the beginning of July, 18 percent of mosquitoes tested in Chicago have been positive for the West Nile Virus.

There have been six cases of West Nile in the Cook County area as of 8-21-06.

Prevention of West Nile virus is the key as there is no cure for viral illnesses.

1. If possible, avoid going outside after dusk or before dawn.

2. Keep your gutters clear and free flowing

3. Keep child-size swimming pools drained when not in use.

4. Continually refresh and replenish the water in swimming pools and birdbaths.

5. Store unused flowerpots, watering cans, and empty plastic containers in your garage or shed.

6. Keep your lawn and shrubs trimmed to minimize breeding habitat for mosquitoes.

7. Level your yard in low spots to eliminate puddles and pooling water.

8. Remove old stumps.

9. For the yard -- Use a permethrin-based mosquito spray on lawn, shrubs, flowers, etc. Permethrin repels mosquitoes and ticks!

10. Use mosquito netting on infant carriers.

11. Dress children in long pants.

12. Apply a DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide)- based insect repellent to clothing and exposed skin. Do not apply repellent underneath clothing. The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Environmental Health updated their recommendation for use of DEET products for children. Look for a concentration of 30% DEET and wash off after coming indoors. Do not apply on infants <2 months old.

13. Increasing concentration of DEET will not work more effectively - only increases duration of protection.

14. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also recommends a repellent known as picaridin made by Cutter

15. It is not recommended to use a single product that combines DEET and sunscreen however.