Will County resident is 1st human death from West Nile virus in Illinois

A Will County resident is the first person in Illinois to die from the West Nile virus in 2021, the Illinois Department of Public Health said in a news release Friday.

The resident became ill in late August and then tested for positive for the West Nile virus, the release said.

The Will County Health Department confirmed its first West Nile virus-positive mosquito sample for 2021 in July. That sample was collected July 23 from a health department mosquito trap in Homer Glen.

The release said 40 human cases of West Nile virus have been reported so far in Illinois. Last year, IDPH reported 42 human cases, including four deaths, according to the release.

Anyone older than 60 or anyone who is immunocompromised has a higher risk of severe illness from contracting West Nile virus. Symptoms of the West Nile virus, which can last several days to several weeks, include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches, the health department said in August.

Because the Culex mosquito transmits the West Nile virus through its bite after feeding on an infected bird, the health department recommended these tips for prevention:

• Eliminate excess standing water around your property where Culex mosquitos often breed, such as children’s wading pools, birdbaths and gutters.

• Avoid being outside between dusk and dawn, the peak mosquito periods.

• For those who venture out, wear insect repellent containing DEET as well as long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes.

If you see a dead bird on your property, contact the Will County Health Department. The bird may need to be tested for the virus.

IDPH said residents should inform the department of any areas of water that have remained stagnant for a week in such locations as roadside ditches and flooded yards. IDPH also said residents should repair or replace any window screens with tears or holes.

“Although we are already into fall, we are expecting a warm weekend, and West Nile virus remains a risk until the first hard frost,” IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in the release. “It’s important for everyone to continue taking precautions.”

The health department’s West Nile virus hotline is 815-740-7631. Or email the health department at westnile@willcountyhealth.org.