September 20, 2011 |
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First West Nile Virus Related Death Reported in IllinoisWest Nile virus is still a threatSPRINGFIELD, ILL. – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting the first West Nile virus related death in Illinois for 2011. A Cook County man in his 60s, who had underlying health conditions, was diagnosed with West Nile virus in August and died earlier this month. “Although temperatures have been cooler recently, we continue to see West Nile virus activity across Illinois,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold. “People need to continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites by using insect repellent or staying indoors.” Currently, the Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting eight human cases of West Nile virus in Illinois. The first human cases of West Nile virus were reported on August 19 and occurred in a Cook County man in his 80s and a Franklin County man in his 30s. So far this year, 17 counties have reported mosquito batches, birds or people testing positive for West Nile virus. The first West Nile virus positive results this year were collected on June 8 and included two birds from LaSalle County. In 2010, the first positive mosquito samples were collected on June 3 in Gallatin County. Last year, 30 of the state’s 102 counties were found to have a West Nile positive bird, mosquito, horse or human case. A total of 61 human cases of West Nile disease, including four deaths, were reported in Illinois last year. The first human case was reported on August 31 and the West Nile virus related death was reported on September 22. West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common West Nile virus symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. However, four out of five people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. In rare cases, severe illness including meningitis or encephalitis, or even death, can occur. People older than 50 are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile Virus. The best way to prevent West Nile disease or any other mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Precautions include:
Public health officials believe that a hot summer increases mosquito activity and the risk of disease from West Nile virus. Additional information about West Nile virus can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Web site at www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm. |
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 |