By Terry James
CHICAGO – Illinois health officials are reporting the first deaths of the year related to West Nile Virus.
West Nile Virus is an illness that is spread by mosquitoes. Most that get the virus will experience no symptoms, but those with compromised immune systems could become sick. The three people that died are from Cook county.
There are currently 64 human cases of West Nile Virus in Illinois.
Surveillance for West Nile virus in Illinois includes laboratory tests on mosquito batches, dead crows, blue jays, robins and other perching birds, as well as testing sick horses and humans with West Nile virus-like symptoms.
Terry James can be reached at terry@wjbc.com.
