The DuPage County Health Department announced on Friday that there are now 15 human cases of West Nile virus in DuPage County, and two of these have resulted in fatalities.
The first individual from DuPage County to die as a result of contractong WNV was Lombard Village President Bill Mueller. He died Aug. 18 after having been in the hospital for a few weeks prior to that. Mueller was diagnosed with cancer in 2008, which made him more vulnerable to WNV.
The DuPage County Health Department has not released any information on the second individual who has died from the disease.
Those affected by WNV are in their 20s through their 70s. They live in Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville, Villa Park and Westmont.
WNV is transmitted to people by infected mosquitoes, and can be prevented by:
• Using insect repellents when you go outdoors.
• Wearing long sleeves and pants from dusk to dawn.
• Installing or repairing screens on windows and doors.
• Using air conditioning, if you have it.
• Emptying standing water from items outside your home such as flowerpots, buckets and kiddie pools.
The Health Department reminds County residents that the presence of WNV is widespread in the DuPage County environment so the risk of WNV is elevated and may remain so until the arrival of cooler temperatures. Therefore, County residents should concentrate on personal protection and are urged to be cautious, but not curtail their outdoor activities.
The number of cases is expected to increase, since additional reports have been received and confirmation is anticipated in the coming days. Statewide, 2012 human case data, including cases by county, are provided on the Illinois Department of Public Health WNV website:Â http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnvsurveillance_humancases_12.htm.
Approximately one in five people who are infected with WNV will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Less than 1 percent will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues).
People over 50 years of age and those with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and organ transplants, are at greater risk for serious illness.
There are no medications to treat, or vaccines to prevent, WNV infection. People with milder illnesses typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for several weeks.
In more severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care. Anyone who has symptoms that cause concern should contact a health care provider.
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