First Human West Nile Virus Death in Cook County and Illinois for 2022 – Cook County Department of Public Health

First Human West Nile Virus Loss of life in Cook dinner County and Illinois for 2022​
Public well being officers urge residents to stay vigilant and “struggle the chunk” by following just a few suggestions

 Forest Park, In poor health.— Cook dinner County Division of Public Well being (CCDPH) has confirmed the primary human West Nile virus-related demise in suburban Cook dinner County this 12 months. A Cook dinner County resident in his late 70s grew to become ailing through the first a part of August and subsequently died. WNV was a contributing issue within the demise. Laboratory testing at CDC has confirmed the analysis of WNV.

“The children could also be going again to high school, however the mosquitoes are nonetheless out,” mentioned CCDPH Chief Working Officer Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “West Nile virus is a threat till the primary exhausting frost, so we nonetheless must take precautions, particularly at daybreak and nightfall when mosquitoes are most energetic.”

West Nile virus is transmitted by way of the chunk of a mosquito. Frequent signs embody fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Signs could final from just a few days to some weeks. Nevertheless, 4 out of 5 individuals contaminated with West Nile virus won’t present any signs. In uncommon circumstances, extreme neuroinvasive sickness together with meningitis or encephalitis, and even demise, can happen.

Final 12 months there have been 20 human West Nile virus circumstances, together with 16 neuroinvasive circumstances and 1 demise, in CCDPH’s jurisdiction of suburban Cook dinner County. Individuals older than age 50 years and immunocompromised people are at increased threat for extreme sickness. West Nile virus constructive leads to people, birds, mosquitoes, and/or horses have been reported in 30 counties to this point this 12 months.

Struggle the Chew: Apply the three R’s to stop mosquito bites and the illnesses they carry

• Take away – Eradicate alternatives for mosquitoes to breed exterior your private home. As soon as every week, dump water that’s gathering exterior in buckets, flowerpots, toys, kiddie swimming pools, pet bowls, spare tires, and so on. Hold gutters clear and freed from particles.
• Repel – Use Environmental Safety Company (EPA)-registered insect repellents when open air. At all times comply with the instructions on the label. Put on long-sleeved shirts and lengthy pants. Use air con when attainable.
• Restore – Hold mosquitoes exterior. Be sure that your doorways and home windows have tight-fitting screens. Restore any tears or different openings. For extra data, go to www.fightthebitecookcounty.com.

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