August 12, 2005 |
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TWO CHICAGO CASES OF WEST NILE VIRUS CONFIRMED SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Two Chicago residents have been identified as having West Nile disease, bringing to 13 the number of cases reported so far this year, Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director, today announced. The new cases are:
There have been two other cases of West Nile disease this year in Chicago. The state’s other cases of West Nile disease have been from Cook (5), DuPage (3) and Kane counties. West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Most people with the virus have no clinical symptoms of illness, but some may become ill three to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Only about two persons out of 10 who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience any illness. Illness from West Nile disease is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches, but serious illness, such as encephalitis and meningitis, and death are possible. Persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease. A total of 13 humans, 88 birds, 825 mosquito samples and one horse from 31 counties have tested positive for West Nile virus since surveillance for the mosquito-borne disease began on May 1. In 2004, Illinois recorded 60 human cases, of West Nile disease, including four deaths, and in 2003, there were 54 human cases, including one death. The state led the nation in 2002 with 884 human cases of West Nile disease and 67 deaths. Because West Nile virus activity in Culex mosquitoes increases during hot weather, personal protection against mosquitoes is particularly important during August and September. Dr. Whitaker said individuals can reduce their risk of West Nile illness and other mosquito-borne diseases by taking these precautions:
Additional information about West Nile virus can be found on the Department’s Web site at www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm or people can call the West Nile Virus Hotline at 866-369-9710 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Illinois Department
of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments |