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Illinois confirmed its first death from West Nile virus in 2022 on Tuesday.
An unnamed individual in his late 70s died of illness in Cook County. Illinois Department of Public HealthThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed Tuesday that WNV played a contributing role in the deaths, confirming the diagnosis through laboratory tests.
“Illinois’ first tragic death from West Nile virus this year is a reminder that the disease poses a risk, especially to people with weakened immune systems,” said Illinois. Dr Samir Vora, Chief Health Officer, said. “Precautions to protect yourself from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne viruses by wearing repellents during warm weather and during mosquito breeding and by eliminating standing water around homes where mosquitoes breed. We have to take action.โ
The department can monitor WNV in the state by inspecting dead cattle and birds and testing batches of mosquitoes. Last year, there were about 48 counties in the state that reported having the virus in animals. Meanwhile, of the 65 confirmed cases, 5 died.
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The disease is usually spread through the bites of common housefly mosquitoes called Culex pipiens. This mosquito usually spreads the virus after sucking the blood of an infected animal. The health department notes that common symptoms of WNV include fever lasting days or weeks, nausea, headaches and muscle aches. However, it is estimated that four of her five who test positive for the virus do not show symptoms.
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Severe cases of the disease can lead to meningitis or encephalitis, or death. West Nile virus is especially dangerous for people over the age of 50, who may be more likely to experience severe symptoms.
IDPH said the first mosquito infection was confirmed on May 17. In addition, three men over the age of 50 tested positive for his WNV, all of whom were hospitalized in New Jersey last week.
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