The Fourth of July is expected to be hot and humid this year, which means mosquitoes are bound to be out and about.
Mosquitoes don't just bite and leave an itchy bump. They can also spread disease like West Nile Virus.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reports that the state discovered the first case of West Nile Virus in mid-May, which is earlier in the season than usual. The first confirmed case last year was reported in mid-July.
The Herald and Review reports that the state saw 90 human cases of the virus last year, including eight deaths.
The virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. There are often no symptoms, but people older than 60 are more likely to die or to develop a severe illness.
Mosquitoes can live inside and outside, bite day or night, and can survive in cold tempertatures.
The CDC says some easy ways to prevent bites and mosquitoes being in the area of the festivities are to use bug spray, cover food, and light Citronilla candles or lamps.
The Associated Press and CDC contributed to this story.