August 29, 2005 |
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THREE NEW CASES OF WEST NILE VIRUS CONFIRMED SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director, today announced three new West Nile disease cases have been identified in suburban Cook County, bringing to 46 the number of cases reported so far this year in the state. The new cases are:
There have been 22 other cases of West Nile disease this year in suburban Cook County. The state’s other cases of West Nile disease have been from Chicago (9), DuPage (5), Kane (5), Peoria (1), and Will (1) 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. Grundy County Health Department reported their first West Nile virus positive bird sample today. The Blue Jay was collected August 23 in Coal City. A total of 46 humans, 166 birds, 1,459 mosquito samples, one horse and one llama from 36 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:
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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 |