DeKalb County residents still are at risk of West Nile; however, numbers are low compared to last year.

“Even though there are far fewer cases in Illinois compared to this time last year, we assume there are infected mosquitoes in DeKalb County,” said Karen Grush, public health administrator at the DeKalb County Health Department.

As of Sept. 19, Illinois reported eight cases of West Nile virus according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site, www.cdc.gov.

One case included a DeKalb County resident who contracted the disease while traveling extensively throughout the United States, Grush said.

Illinois led the nation both in the number of West Nile cases and in the number of deaths caused by the disease last year.

Grush said residents should use precautions because birds and mosquito pools have tested positive this year.

“The first line of defense against West Nile virus is to avoid mosquito bites,” Grush said.

Grush recommended adults use repellent with 25 to 35 percent DEET when outside at dusk and dawn, but said never to use DEET on young children.

People should wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing and socks and shoes when outside, Grush said.

Grush also gave tips for residents to reduce the mosquito population around their property:

– Do not leave garbage can lids upside down.

– Do not allow water to collect on garbage cans or recycling containers.

– Repair any tears in screens, porches or patios.

“The disease is relatively rare, with just one in 100,000 people becoming infected,” Grush said. “Of those people, approximately 20 percent develop flu-like symptoms, and less than 1 percent develops more serious complications.”

Typical symptoms of the infection are fever, headache, muscle weakness, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting and a change in mental status, Grush said. College students are the least at risk, with those 50 years of age and older being at the highest risk.