The Kane County Health Department reported its third case of the West Nile virus in 2008: a 16-year old teenager from St. Charles.

Earlier this year, the county reported a 74-year old woman from Huntley and a 28-year old woman from Aurora had contracted the disease. The health department warns residence to remain cautious through West Nile virus season. The virus hits hardest in the summer time and into the fall season.

“Our residents are at risk for West Nile Virus until we have our first frost,” health department director Paul Kuehnert said. “We urge (residents) to take precautions until the weather brings an end to the West Nile season.”

West Nile is transmitted through mosquito bites, and is a potentially fatal virus. Symptoms include high fever, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, muscle weakness and paralysis.