Tazewell County announces first human death from West Nile virus

TAZEWELL COUNTY (25News Now) – The Tazewell County Health Department has announced the first human death caused by the West Nile Virus this year.

The department said the man was in his 70s and lived in the county, developed symptoms in mid-October and died shortly afterwards.

The department also said there is one non-fatal case in the province so far.

Nine deaths from West Nile virus have been reported around Illinois.

The health department said 8 in 10 people who become infected experience no symptoms. If one is symptomatic, mild cases may cause a mild fever or headache.

More severe cases can result in rapidly developing high fever with head and body pain, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, and in some severe cases, paralysis or death.

Symptoms usually occur 3-14 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito.

Those age 60 and older are at greatest risk for severe illness caused by West Nile virus.

The public is encouraged to practice the 3 R’s of mosquito protection.

1. Reduce the number of mosquitoes by reporting and eliminating cases of standing water (water that has been in the same place for more than 7-10 days). These areas are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and West Nile virus. This may include keeping rubbish bins closed outside so that they do not fill with rainwater; disposing of old tires, cans, buckets, barrels, bottles or other water-holding containers; and emptying plastic wading pools at least once a week and storing them indoors when not in use. For more examples of standing water, visit www.tazewellhealth.org/234/Mosquito-Awareness
2. Repel mosquitoes by using the right insect repellent. Use a repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin or Lemon Eucalyptus Oil. If possible, avoid being outside from dusk to dawn. This is when mosquitoes are most active. If you are outside during these times, wear loose-fitting, light-colored long-sleeved tops and long pants made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
3. Report cases of stagnant water that has been stagnant for more than 7-10 days. To report standing water in Tazewell County, visit www.tazewellhealth.org/235/Standing-Water-Report

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