First West Nile death in suburban Cook County reported

The first death of the year attributed to West Nile virus in suburban Cook County was reported Monday by officials at the Cook County Department of Public Health.

A 67-year-old Cicero man who suffered from multiple other health conditions died recently after contracting West Nile, according to the health department.

As of Monday, the health department has recorded two human cases of West Nile, 269 infected mosquito pools and five birds with the disease throughout suburban Cook County.

“We are seeing fewer hot, dry days but there continues to be an increased risk for infection of the virus and residents still need to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites,” said Chief Operating Officer Terry Mason. “Even if it feels a little cooler outside, residents should continue to use mosquito repellent with DEET anytime they have to be outside between dusk and dawn.”

Officials said ways to avoid becoming infected include removing standing water around homes, keeping weeds and grass cut short, wearing mosquito repellent and making sure windows and doors have tightly fitting screens.