First human case of West Nile virus reported in DuPage County in 2014

Mon September 15, 2014

The DuPage County Health Department announced on Monday the first reported human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in DuPage County in 2014. The case is a male Naperville resident in his 50s. He was treated as an outpatient and his symptoms have improved.
 
The Health Department reminds residents that despite the cool, rainy weather they should continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites and prevent contracting WNV.
 
Check the Personal Protection Index (PPI) widget on the Health Department's website at www.dupagehealth.org/PPI to get the most up-to-date information on WNV activity.
 
WNV is transmitted to people by infected mosquitoes.  The best way to prevent WNV is to avoid mosquito bites: 

  • Use insect repellent when you go outdoors.
  • Avoid the outdoors from dusk to dawn, when the mosquitoes that transmit WNV are most active.
  • If outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants from dusk to dawn.
  • Empty standing water from items outside your home such as flowerpots, buckets and kiddie pools.

 
Approximately one in five people who are infected with WNV will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.  Less than 1 percent will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). 

WNV activity generally decreases in the fall when cooler temperatures arrive and especially after the first frost of the season. 

For more information, follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, or visit www.dupagehealth.org.



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