Death of West Nile Virus in DuPage County

A 65-year-old man died in DuPage County from West Nile virus, health officials said.

According to a county health department press release, the death is the first in the county this year.

Information on the sex and hometown of the deceased person was not available. The person became ill at the beginning of September, officials said.

The first death in 2018 in West Nile was reported at the end of August in LaSalle County.

"The report of a death is a sad reminder that it is always important to protect yourself, to protect your family from West Nile virus," said Karen Ayala, executive director of the health department. , in the press release.

According to the release, there have been 14 human cases of viruses in DuPage in 2018.

The DuPage County Department of Health's personal protection index remains at its highest level due to the number of mosquito lots tested positive for the virus, officials said.

Health officials urged to take precautions to avoid getting infected. People should drain areas with stagnant water, keep dishes clean, use a DEET repellent and wear long pants, long sleeves and closed shoes.

According to the press release, most people infected with the virus do not develop any symptoms, but about 1 in 5 people infected with the virus will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or skin rash.

People over the age of 60 and those with medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and organ transplants are at increased risk of serious illness.

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