DuPage County resident dies of West Nile virus



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Authorities said that a resident of DuPage County had died of West Nile virus, the first to do so this year.

The person who died was over 65 and became ill in early September, according to a press release issued Friday by the DuPage County Health Department. The press release did not identify the deceased person.

"The announcement 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, director of the department of health.

Fourteen human cases have been reported in DuPage County this year, including a resident of Carol Stream diagnosed last week.

The latest report released by the Illinois Department of Public Health this year reported 22 cases of West Nile virus in the state, including a resident of LaSalle County who also died.

In 2017, there were 90 human cases of West Nile virus, including eight deaths, according to the department.

West Nile virus is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito. Fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches are common symptoms. Symptoms can last from a few days to a few weeks. However, 4 out of 5 people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms.

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

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