Cicero cautions residents of West Nile Virus infections Cicero -- Cook County announced Monday that a 67 year old man from the Town of Cicero is the first fatality this year from the West Nile Virus. The death is the second reported confirmation of West Nile Virus, officials said. The first infection involved a resident in suburban Oak Lawn. Health officials said the victim was also suffering from other medical complications. “We are very saddened and express our condolences to the family,” said Town President Larry Dominick. “I am urging everyone to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and to also monitor elderly relatives and residents, especially those who live by themselves for symptoms.” Anyone can be infected by West Nile Virus, so it is important for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites. But people over the age of 50, and those with chronic diseases such as heart disease or cancer, may be at more risk. County health officials said that frequently, most people with West Nile Virus show no symptoms. Some become ill between 13 and 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms include fever, headaches and body aches. More severe symptoms may include high fever, stiff nick, confusion and muscle weakness. Health officials recommended that you wear lightly colored, lose fitting clothing and use mosquito repellent when outdoors. Remove any standing water near your home as standing water can breed mosquito larva. Dominick said Town employees were canvassing the area to identify and eliminate any areas of standing water. “Water that is allowed to remain for three or four days becomes a breeding ground for mosquitos,” Dominick said. If you show any symptoms, you are urged to immediately contact your health provider for immediate assessment. For more information, please contact Cook County at CookCountyPublicHealth.org. END
Posted on: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 23:09:22 +0000
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