A dozen human West Nile cases reported in DuPage
A total of 12 human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in DuPage County, health department officials confirmed Tuesday.
That’s two more cases since the county’s last update on Friday.
The most recent cases were in Hinsdale and Westmont, officials said, though the victims’ ages were not provided.
Countywide, those that have been affected by West Nile have been in their 20s to 70s, and are located in Carol Stream, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville, Villa Park and Westmont.
Lombard Village President Bill Mueller, 76, died Aug. 18 from complications of West Nile. He was also battling the cancer multiple myeloma.
There have been two people statewide to die of West Nile this year — the other, a 64-year-old man from Elgin who died last Wednesday.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported there to be a total of 60 cases of West Nile so far this year — not including the latest numbers from DuPage. Cook County had the most: 44.
Health officials say the virus is transmitted to people by infected mosquitoes, but it can be prevented by using insect repellents when outdoors, wearing long sleeves and pants from dusk to dawn, installing or repairing screens on windows and doors, and emptying standing water from items outside the home.
The DuPage Health Department reports that the risk of West Nile is elevated and it may remain so until cooler temperatures arrive. Officials said they’re urging residents to be cautious, but not to curtail outdoor activities.