First Human Cases of West Nile Confirmed In Illinois In 2016
CHICAGO (CBS) – Two human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in suburban Cook County and Chicago, by the Cook County Department of Public Health.
A woman in her 50s, from the northwest suburbs, fell ill in late July, the CCDPH said in a statement.
Most people infected with West Nile have no symptoms of illness and never become ill. The CCDPH said illness can occur 3-15 days after an infected mosquito bite and cause symptoms of fever, headache and body aches.
"West Nile virus can cause serious illness" said Cook County Department of Public Health COO Dr. Terry Mason, in a statement. "It is important that we all keep our guard up this time of year and follow basic prevention tips."
People over the age of 50 and those with a chronic disease are at increased risk for serious complications, such as encephalitis or meningitis.
For that reason, the CCDPH advise people who experience high fever, confusion, muscle weakness, severe headaches or stiff neck to seek medical attention immediately.
The West Nile Virus continues to circulate in mosquitoes throughout suburban Cook County. As of Thursday, CCDPH said testing has indicated 57 communities carry pools of mosquitoes with West Nile Virus.
So far this summer, the Illinois Department of Public Health has reported five human cases of the West Nile virus, with the closest occurring in Grundy County.
There has also been one case reported in the city.
"At present, there has been one case of West Nile virus in an elderly Chicago resident, and this individual has since recovered," according to a statement from the Chicago Department of Public Health. "One WNV case by this point in the summer is consistent with what we have seen in previous summer seasons."
