News

1st West Nile virus death reported in Illinois

Posted September 13, 2013 5:56 pm

Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD — State public health officials say an elderly central Illinois man is the first person in Illinois to die of West Nile virus this season.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced the death Friday. They say the Logan County man was in his 80s and died in mid-August. The Macon County Health Department says a private lab confirmed the death. The state health department says it is confirming the results.

So far this season West Nile virus has been reported in 57 Illinois counties. The first human case was reported Aug. 21 in McHenry County.

The department also says the first human case of West Nile virus has been reported in southern Illinois. They say the Jefferson County Health Department confirmed a teen tested positive after becoming sick last month.

Article Comments

Article Categories
Health and Fitness Illinois Lifestyle News Region

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.