So far this year, there have been 11 cases of humans suffering from mosquito-borne West Nile virus in Illinois, with one 77-year-old, Ogle County man dying as a result of the illness on August 8th. The first known human case reported in the state this year was in DuPage County on June 15.
Public Health authorities attribute the resurgence of the West Nile Virus to the influx of mosquitoes brought in by the muggy, 90-plus degree weather that Illinois has seen this summer. However, officials say that potential contact with the West Nile virus can be reduced by eliminating any source of standing water that can support mosquito breeding, such as water in bird baths, ponds, wading pools, and any other receptacles.
Officials also say that those who are older than 50 years of age or whose immune systems are weakened face higher risk of complications from the West Nile virus. An estimated 20 percent of those who are infected with the virus experience flu-like systems including fever, headache and body aches. In the most severe cases, meningitis, encephalitis, and even death can result.
According to an IDPH spokesperson, "There are preventive actions you can take to avoid getting West Nile virus such as wearing insect repellent with DEET and I encourage everyone who goes outside, especially from dusk to dawn, to take this preventive measure."
