West Nile Confirmed in Illinois

Tom / CC

The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in Illinois for 2017.  A Will County resident in his 60s became ill at the end of last month.  West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of what’s commonly known as a “house mosquito,” which has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.  Be sure to take necessary precautions if you have to be outside:  Dress accordingly, by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants and shoes, use repellant that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR 3535, and remove any receptacles that may contain standing water.