South Suburbanite Is 2nd Human Case Of West Nile In Cook County
CHICAGO (STMW) - A man from south suburban South Holland is the second confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Cook County this year, according to county health officials.
The man, who is in his 20s, was hospitalized but has been released and is now recovering, according to a release from the Cook County Department of Public Health.
He is the second human case in suburban Cook County. In addition, 220 mosquito pools and seven birds have tested positive, the release said.
"We are currently seeing an increased risk for West Nile virus infection throughout suburban Cook County," said CCDPH COO Dr. Stephen Martin Jr. "Residents need to be aware of this risk and take basic precautions to prevent becoming infected with WNV."
Most people infected with WNV have no symptoms of illness and never become ill. But illness can occur three to 15 days after an infected mosquito bite and cause symptoms of fever, headache and body aches. The disease can affect all ages, but people over the age of 50 and those with chronic disease, such as heart disease or cancer may be at risk for serious complications.
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