The first West Nile Death has been reported in Illinois this year. The death was a man in his 60s from suburban Chicago. Laboratory testing confirmed West Nile virus was a contributing factor to the resident’s death.
So far this year suburban Cook County has recorded 33 cases of West Nile virus, almost twice the number as last year. 22 of those cases have been neuroinvasive, meaning that the central nervous system was affected.
So far in South Central Illinois there have been no human cases. However, there have been five positive mosquito batches in Clinton County and one apiece in Clay and Fayette Counties.
State Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra says the death is a sobering reminded that mosquito-borne illnesses are still with us. He encourages everyone to ‘Fight the Bite’ by practicing the Three R’s: Reduce opportunities for exposure to mosquitoes, Repel insect bites by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent. Report stagnant water that can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes to your local health department.
Most cases of West Nile virus infection have either mild or no symptoms and may go unreported, so case counts are underestimated. Seniors are higher risk for severe illness and death.
