2 Human West Nile Virus Cases Reported In Downers Grove

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Two cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Downers Grove, according to village officials. The patients, a man in his 50s and a man in his 80s, were hospitalized this week, DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) told Patch Thursday.

The news comes as human cases of West Nile virus are on the rise in DuPage County, having nearly doubled since the end of August.

The cases were reported near Carpenter Street and Gilbert Avenue. Mosquito abatement is set to take place in that area at 8 p.m. on Sept. 30 and Oct. 7. Clarke Mosquito Control will use an ultra low-volume fogging machine to spray the targeted area with an adult mosquito insecticide called DUET.

As of Sept. 29, 11 residents have been infected with West Nile virus in DuPage County. County public health officials say the number of positive West Nile virus cases is likely to continue to climb in the coming weeks, according to a news release.

To help prevent the spread of West Nile virus, DuPage County Health Department advises residents to:

• Drain standing water and clean bird baths and pet dishes regularly
• Wear mosquito repellant with DEET when outdoors and reapply as needed
• Wear repellant between dusk and dawn, when mosquito activity is heightened
• Protect skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, along with shoes with closed toes

Also on Patch: Rabies Death Is Illinois' First Human Case In 67 Years

Illinois reported its first human case of the West Nile virus for 2021 in early August. The patient, a Cook County man in his 80s, began experiencing symptoms of the virus in mid-June. In August, an east Naperville resident contracted West Nile virus

West Nile virus causes body aches, fever, vomiting, diarrhea and rash in about 20 percent of affected patients, according to DCHD. In rare cases, the virus can lead to encephalitis or meningitis.