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Illinois mayor survives West Nile, urges caution

A suburban Chicago mayor who survived West Nile virus is lending his voice to the prevention campaign.

Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton is walking and talking again, but he still has limited movement in his neck two years after contracting the virus from an infected mosquito.

This week, the mayor's short recorded prevention message began airing at movie theaters in suburban Cook County. It's part of a campaign organized by the Cook County Department of Public Health.

The virus can cause fever, headache and body aches. People age 50 and older are at a higher risk for serious complications.

Health officials recommend removing standing water where mosquitoes can breed, using insect repellent that contains DEET and repairing torn screens on doors and windows.

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