The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed the first human West Nile virus-related death in Illinois for 2020. A Chicago resident who became ill in mid-September and tested positive for West Nile virus has died.
“Although we are already into fall, West Nile virus remains a risk until the first hard frost,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “It’s important for everyone to continue taking precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeve shirts and pants, and staying indoors between dusk and dawn.”
Read more: Chicago Resident Is First Human West Nile Virus Death...
CHICAGO – The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is reporting 6 cases of West Nile virus infection this year among Chicago residents, following CDC confirmatory testing performed for the first case. All patients developed symptoms between August 15-September 5 and were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. The age range is 43-75 years (median 57), 3 are female, and 4 are White and 2 are Hispanic. One individual reports traveling out of state during their potential exposure period. The individuals reside in the North, West and East regions of the City. For the 2019 season, CDPH reported 6 human cases, including 1 death.
Read more: First Human Cases of West Nile Virus in Chicago for 2020
It was never a matter of if mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus would appear in the Southland this summer, but rather when they would materialize. Due to a cool, wet spring that mosquito experts believe delayed the development of West Nile-carrying Culex mosquitoes, that "when" came later than ever this year.
Read more: West Nile activity has jumped in Southland, but still...
Help us fight the bite! Join us Wednesday June 26th, from 10AM to 2PM at the South Cook County Mosquito Abatement District Headquarters. This event is being held to promote the awareness of how the mosquito impacts our residents, community and state.