Mites may be to blame for mystery bug bites in Illinois

Chicago officials say that an itch mite may be responsible for an outbreak of itchy, raised red bumps. The symptoms sent approximately 100 people to Chicago-area emergency rooms in the last week, according to the state Illinois Health Department. The mites are tiny, measuring only 0.2 millimeters. In August 2004, an estimated 54% of the population of Crawford County, Kansas was thought to have suffered from its bites. The mites have been found from Illinois to Texas. You can't see them with the naked eye. And you won't feel them biting. But, 10 to 16 hours later, your back, neck, shoulders and arms may be filled with itchy red welts.