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CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago health officials are taking steps to prevent West Nile virus.
The Chicago Department of Public Health said Monday its annual prevention program includes putting larvicide in catch basins to limit the number of mosquitoes carrying the virus.
West Nile virus is transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
The department also regularly tests mosquitoes caught in traps throughout the city. No tests have been positive so far in Chicago. But there have been 10 positive samples identified in Illinois.
Health officials say people should eliminate standing water that can become a breeding habitat for mosquitoes. People are asked to regularly empty water from flowerpots, gutters, pool covers, pet water dishes and birdbaths.
Statewide last year, four people died from West Nile virus in Illinois.
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