A DuPage County resident has died of West Nile virus, according to the county’s health department.
It is the first human death from West Nile virus in the county this year. The resident was in their 80s and became sick in August, a health department news release said.
There have been 11 human cases of West Nile virus in DuPage County this year, officials said.
The virus is transmitted through mosquitoes that have contracted the virus by feeding on infected birds.
Most cases result in either mild or no symptoms, but about 20% of people infected will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.
People who are older than 60 or have certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and organ transplants are at greater risk for serious illness, the release said.
The county and its partner agencies monitor West Nile virus by checking mosquito traps placed throughout the county. The current positive pool rate remains at 25%, which is why officials are stressing the importance of taking proactive steps to reduce exposure and eliminate breeding areas.
Using insect repellent and reducing standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding are the best actions that can be taken, the county said.
The first West Nile death in the state was reported Sept. 17 by the Illinois Department of Public Heath. The victim was a suburban Cook County resident in their 60s, health officials said.
