IL First Case of West Nile

By Rachelle Bowden in News on Jul 23, 2004 1:42PM

A 67-year-old man from the Galena area is the first human case of West Nile virus in Illinois this year. The man, who had not travelled outside the area in months, became ill on July 11 and was hospitalized. He is now recuperating at home.

Illness from West Nile is usually mild, although serious illness and death are possible, particularly in people over 50 or with weak immune systems. Last year IL recorded 54 human cases of West Nile and one death. In 2002 we led the nation with 884 cases and 66 deaths.

Chicagoist has one word: DEET! West Nile disease is transmitted through mosquito bites and using a misquito repellant that contains DEET gives protection from mosquito bites.