(WAND) — The state of Illinois is seeing an increase in reports of West Nile virus, especially at the tail end of the summer months. On Tuesday, August 27th, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced the first human death of West Nile virus in the state this year.

The disease is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that had fed off an infected bird. Common symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches. However, four out of five people who are infected do not show symptoms. In rare cases, severe illnesses like brain infections and paralysis can occur. People older than 50 and immunocompromised people are at higher risk for severe illness.

The IDPH said 9 non-fatal cases of the virus have been reported this year. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra explained that preventative measures that are advertising. "It is a continued challenge and issue," began Dr. Vohra, "Our messaging has really been to fight that bite. Repel those mosquitoes...report when you see standing water, and try to reduce exposures." 

 The Three R's of Fight the Bite are reduce, repel, and report. 

 Reduce Repel Report

  • Make sure doors have tight-fitting screens

  • Repair or replace screens with tears or openings

  • Keeps doors and windows shut

  • Eliminate -- or refresh weekly -- sources of standing water

     

  • Wear shoes, socks, long pants, long-sleeve shirts when outside

  • Use an EPA- registered insect repellant with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR 3535

     
  • Report locations where you see water sitting stagnant for more than a week to local health department or city government
  • report sick or dying bird to local health department  

There is no specific treatment or a vaccine for West Nile virus, so minimizing risk of infection is imperative. 

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