Illinois: 3 more people suffer West Nile virus
Wednesday August 15, 2007 (Foodconsumer.org) -- The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced three new human cases of mosquito-borne West Nile virus infections Wednesday, bringing the total of human cases in the state for 2007 to eleven.
The latest cases include a 56-year old Chicago man who became ill in mid-July, an 88-year old Chicago man who became ill in late-July, and a 59-year old Pike County woman who became ill in early July. But the state health agency did not say whether these people got infected through a bite of an infected mosquito.
The first human case of West Nile virus for 2007 was reported in DuPage County on June 15. In 2006, the first positive mosquito sample was reported May 24th in Dupage County and first human case was announced August 1 in St. Clair County.
Last week, an Ogle County man, 77, died after becoming ill from West Nile virus earlier this month. It is not known whether he got bitten by an infected mosquito.
The counties where human cases of West Nile virus were reported now include Cook, Dupage, Kane, Madison, Ogle, Pike, and Tazewell counties.
“As the temperatures increase, so does the risk of West Nile virus. Everyone should take necessary steps to reduce their chances of being bitten by mosquitoes," said Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director.
“Wear insect repellent when you’re outside. If you can, stay indoors during peak hours from dusk until dawn. A little bit of prevention can go a long way to cutting down your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.” |
