2023-08-24 06:51:28
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDHP) announced the first West Nile virus-related human death in 2023.
The individual, who was in his 90s and lived in suburban Cook County, showed symptoms of the virus in early August and died shortly thereafter. The IDHP is also reporting 11 confirmed non-fatal cases of West Nile virus this year.
“We are saddened to report the first death of the year from West Nile virus in Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “This death and the 11 additional cases are a stark reminder that West Nile virus poses a serious risk, especially to older people and those with weakened immune systems. As long as the weather is warm and mosquitoes breed, we must take precautions to “fight the bite”. Protect yourself and your loved ones by reducing exposure, repelling insects with clothing and repellents, and reporting high risk locations for mosquito production.”
Of the 12 human cases, seven were reported in Cook County, including two in Chicago. Kane, Macon, Madison, Will, and Woodford counties have reported one human case of West Nile virus.
The virus is transmitted by the bite of a typical mosquito that has become infected by feeding on an infected bird. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches, which can last from a few days to a few weeks.
Four out of five people will not show any symptoms.
In rare cases, serious illnesses can occur, including brain infections such as meningitis or encephalitis and paralysis or even death. People who are immunocompromised and older than 50 years are at higher risk of developing severe illness from the virus.
The Illinois Department of Health recommends following the three “Rs” to avoid contracting the virus:
Reduce: Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Try to keep doors and windows closed. Remove or update weekly all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
Repel: When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a light-colored long-sleeved shirt, and apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR 3535 according to with the instructions on the label. The CDC does not recommend the use of products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol in children under 3 years of age.
report : Report places where standing water has been seen for more than a week, such as roadside ditches, flooded yards, and similar places that may breed mosquitoes.
With no specific treatment or vaccine at this time, it is important that people minimize their risk of contracting the virus.
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