© 2024 WNIJ and WNIU
Northern Public Radio
801 N 1st St.
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-9000
Northern Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

First human cases of West Nile surface in Illinois

umaa.org

Both of the reported cases in the state are out of Cook County. Health officials say they surfaced a little earlier than usual.

Health officials say the hot and dry weather is to blame for more mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus this year and the two earlier-than-usual human cases of the illness.

Usually, the first human case of the virus is announced in August.

This summer's weather means more stagnant water where mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus can breed. Rainstorms wash away mosquito larvae along with the stagnant water.

Health officials suggest wearing insect repellent or staying indoors when mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn.

West Nile virus symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches.

First cases

The Cook County Health Department says a Des Plaines woman and a Rolling Meadows woman are being treated at hospitals for the virus. Both patients are in their 60s.

Tags