SPRINGFIELD (AP) – Illinois health officials say nine people in the state have died from West Nile virus this year and the number of cases has continued to climb.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is tracking cases of the mosquito-borne disease and updated its count Wednesday. There have been 211 cases of West Nile virus statewide this season.

Health department spokeswoman Melaney Arnold says the mosquitoes carrying the virus could be around until the first hard frost. She says wearing long sleeves while outdoors is still a good idea. Arnold says with cooler temperatures and rain, the season is beginning to wind down.