First human West Nile case reported in DuPage County

An 80-year-old Darien woman is being treated for the year's first reported human case of West Nile virus in DuPage County, health department officials said Friday.

Authorities said roughly one in five people who are infected will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Less than 1 percent will develop a serious neurological illness such as encephalitis or meningitis, an inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues.

The virus is carried by mosquitoes and health department officials are warning residents to protect themselves against bites from the insects.

The department says residents should follow the "4 Ds of Defense" against mosquitoes:

• Defend yourself by using insect repellent when you go outdoors.

• During the hours from dusk to dawn avoid being outside when mosquitoes are most active.

• If outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants from dusk to dawn.

• Drain standing water from items outside your home such as flowerpots, buckets and kiddie pools.

For details, visit www.dupagehealth.org.