The Illinois Department of Public Health reported today that six more people in the state were diagnosed with mosquito-borne West Nile virus last week, bringing the total to 34 in the state for 2007. The total fatalities for the year were three, which remained unchanged last week. The six new human cases of West Nile virus were reported from Cook County, Dupage County, Kane County, and Warren County. Among the total of 37 counties positive for West Nile virus in mosquitoes, birds, or humans, 34 reported early include Jackson, Kane, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, Macon, Marion, Macoupin, Madison, McHenry, Mg Bureau, Champaign, Clinton, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Franklin, Gallorgan, Ogle, Peoria, Pike, Richland, Saline, Sangamon, St. Clair, Tazewell, White, Whiteside, Winnebago, Woodford, McLean, Vermilion, and Will counties.
“Summer is winding down but the West Nile virus season is not over so you need to remember to take precautions against mosquito bites,” said Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, Illinois Department of Public Health Director. "We still may have another month of hot summer temperatures and possibly more warm weather in the fall. Senior citizens and those individuals with weak immune systems are especially vulnerable so I want to stress the importance of taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself against mosquito bites," Dr. Whitaker said.
Eighty percent of people who are infected do not show any symptoms. But about 20 percent experience symptoms including fever, headache and body aches. In serious cases, the virus results in encephalitis and meningitis and even death.
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