TAZEWELL COUNTY, Ill. – The first human death this year caused by West Nile Virus has been reported in Tazewell County.
County health officials say the individual was in their 70s and had onset symptoms of West Nile in mid-October and died soon after.
Tazewell County Health Department also reports one non-fatal case of West Nile Virus in the county. The State of Illinois is reporting nine West Nile-related deaths to date in 2024.
West Nile Virus is typically transferred to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people (8 in 10) who are infected with WNV do not experience symptoms. If symptoms are present, mild cases may cause a slight fever or headache.
More severe cases of West Nile may result in a fast-developing high fever with head and body aches, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, and in some severe cases, paralysis, or death.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, consider seeking medical attention. Symptoms typically happen from three to 14 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito.
People 50 years of age or older and those immunocompromised are at the highest risk of serious illness associated with West Nile Virus
From May-October, Tazewell County Health Department conducts regular testing of mosquito pools throughout the county and encourages residents to do what they can to help prevent the spread of West Nile Virus.
The Health Department encourages residents to follow “The 3 R’s for Protecting Against Mosquitoes”.
Reduce: Reduce the number of mosquitoes by reporting instances of standing water (water that has sat in the same spot for more than 7-10 days). These areas are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and for West Nile Virus.
This can include keeping outdoor trash cans closed so they do not fill with rainwater; getting rid of old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles, or any other water-holding containers; and emptying plastic wading pools at least once a week and storing indoors when not in use. For more examples of standing water, visit www.tazewellhealth.org/234/Mosquito-Awareness
Repel: Repel mosquitoes by using proper insect repellent. Use a repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. When possible, avoid being outdoors from dusk to dawn. This is when mosquitoes are most active.
If you are outside during these times, wear loose-fitting, light-colored, and long-sleeved tops and long pants made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin. Mosquito populations begin to decrease after the first frost of the winter.
Report: During West Nile Virus season you can report instances of standing water that has sat for more than 7-10 days. To report standing water in Tazewell County, visit www.tazewellhealth.org/235/Standing-Water-Report.
For more information on West Nile Virus, visit dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/west-nile-virus.html.
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