A West Nile virus survivor shared the story of her harrowing journey with the brain infection she first thought was a stroke. “Within a matter of days I was in the hospital and I got to the point where I couldn’t walk” said Tonya Riske,

George Balis of Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management said his company has significantly increased its spraying efforts in Waukegan, North Chicago, Gurnee, Zion, Beach Park and other

Chicago suburbs spray for mosquitos as more areas test positive for West Nile Virus The insects have also been found in Evanston, Glenview, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Northfield, and Skokie.

Lake County intensifies mosquito control efforts to combat West Nile virus, following increased numbers of infected mosquitoes in the area, and local health officials advise residents on protective measures.

The risk of West Nile virus in Chicago is considered “high,” as health officials say the area is experiencing “a higher proportion of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus than usual.”

The worst West Nile outbreak in the U.S. to date came in 2002. In Illinois alone, there were 884 cases across the state and 67 deaths, with 42 of them in Cook County.