First West Nile Virus Related Deaths Reported in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting the first West Nile virus related deaths in Illinois for 2014.  Two residents in northern Illinois who became ill with West Nile virus in late-August and early September have died.

“Although we’ve seen a cooler and wetter summer, which has resulted in less West Nile virus activity, these deaths show the virus is circulating and can cause death,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “Even with the cooler temperatures we’re seeing now, until the first hard freeze, you still need to protect yourself against mosquito bites and possible West Nile virus infection.”

To date, West Nile virus positive birds, mosquitoes and/or human cases have been reported in 47 counties.  The first human case this year was reported on August 8th in a Cook County man in his 30s.  So far this year, 15 human cases have been reported.

For the 2013 season, 117 residents were diagnosed with West Nile virus and 11 people died.  Last year the first death was reported September 13, 2013.

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 practicing the three “R’s” – reduce, repel and report.

• REDUCE exposure - avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn. 

­ Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.  Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings.  Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night.

­ Eliminate all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and any other receptacles. 

• REPEL - when outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535, according to label instructions.  Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.

• REPORT - In communities where there are organized mosquito control programs, contact your municipal government to report dead birds and areas of stagnant water in roadside ditches, flooded yards and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes.

Additional information about West Nile virus can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website at www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm.  Surveillance numbers are updated every Wednesday afternoon http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnvsurveillance14.htm.