First West Nile Virus death in Illinois; 37 active cases still at large

Posted on September 19, 2017
West Nile virus cases in humans usually peak in early fall according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. (Photo Flickr/Naturegirl78)

 

By Howard Packowitz

The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed the state’s first human West Nile Virus death this year.

A Kankakee County resident who tested positive for the virus died earlier this month, according to a news release.

The public health department reported the first human case in July, and right now the agency said there are 37 human cases.

A year ago, the department reported six deaths from a total of 155 human cases.

West Nile Virus is transmitted from mosquito bites.

The public health director urged people to take precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeve shirts and pants, and staying indoors between dusk and dawn.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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