Cook County, downstate men Illinois’ first West Nile cases

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois health officials say they’ve confirmed the first human cases of West Nile virus for 2011.

The Illinois Department of Public Health says Cook County health officials reported that a man in his 80s became ill this month. Authorities say the other case involved a man in his 30s who became ill in July. That case was reported by the Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department in southern Illinois.

Last year, health officials reported a total of 61 human cases of West Nile and the first report came in on August 31.

Illinois Public Health Director Damon Arnold says West Nile virus activity is increasing among birds and mosquitos in Illinois. And Arnold is urging residents to protect themselves by wearing insect repellant and eliminating standing water where mosquitos can breed.