County residents die of the West Nile virus. First State Death in 2021 | WGN Radio 720

Will County, Illinois — Will County residents became the first Illinois to die of the West Nile virus this year.

Residents of unknown age became ill in late August.

“We’re already in the fall, but warm weekends are expected and the West Nile virus is at risk until the first heavy frost,” said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of IDPH. “It is important that everyone continues to take precautions, such as using insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers, and staying indoors from dusk to dawn.”

Currently 40 cases Of West Nile virus in Illinois. In 2020, 42 cases and 4 deaths were reported.

West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquito bites. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches.

Symptoms can last from days to weeks. According to IDPH, people over the age of 50 and those with weakened immunity are at increased risk of serious illness.

IDPH said residents can practice the three “Rs” (reduction, repulsion, and reporting).

  • reduce – Every week, eliminate or refresh all pooled water sources. Repair or replace screens with crevices or other openings.
  • REPEL – Outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, or IR3535.
  • report – Report areas where water has been stagnant for more than a week, such as roadside ditches, flooded gardens, and similar areas that can cause mosquitoes. The local health department or city government may be able to add the pesticide to the water. It kills mosquito larvae.

County residents die of the West Nile virus. First State Death in 2021 | WGN Radio 720

Source link County residents die of the West Nile virus. First State Death in 2021 | WGN Radio 720

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