August 15, 2002
For Immediate Release

Congressman Kirk and State Legislators Hold Forum on West Nile Virus Threat

Deerfield, IL - U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R- Highland Park), state Senator Kathy Parker, state Representative Beth Coulson were joined by Barbara O’Mara from the Illinois Department of Public Health and Richard Warner, PhD., assistant dean for the College of Agriculture Consumer and Environmental Services at the University of Illinois for a forum held today to update north suburban mayors and Lake and Cook County Public Health officials on the increasing incidence of West Nile Virus nationally and in our communities.

The forum focused on possible dangers of West Nile Virus, but also provided up-to-date information to help people better understand what the virus is and the simple precautions people can take to prevent it’s further spread.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control, the incidence of West Nile is increasing nationally and in our community,” said Congressman Kirk. “I am concerned about the elderly and our children who are most at risk. That’s why I felt it was very important to bring together scientists, local leaders and public health officials to talk about the realities of this virus. Our goal is to help everyone understand the precautions necessary to prevent infection.”

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