Chicago Taking Precaution Against Possible Zika Spread

CHICAGO (CBS) – The battle against the Zika virus is ramping up in Miami after four more cases were reported on Tuesday, bringing the total to 21.

Here in Chicago, CBS 2's Audrina Bigos reports, mosquito control crews are out in force.

"Mosquitos are predators," said outdoor survival expert Brian Brawdy. "They can sense our exhale. They can sense our movement from a hundred yards away."

Mosquitos native to Chicago do not currently carry the Zika virus. However, the risk here remains.

"It's able to spread not just from mosquito to person, but person to person," Brawdy said. "When you have an airport the size of O'Hare, someone who was in Miami this morning can be in Chicago in the afternoon."

Cook County officials are sending out at new PSA to prevent mosquito borne viruses, warning people to remove standing water near your home, wear insect repellant and repair torn windows and door screens.

Mosquito control crews were out on Chicago's North Side tonight, targeting,
risk areas for West Nile and other mosquito born viruses.

More than 7,300 Americans have been diagnosed with Zika, according to the CDC.