2nd and 3rd Human Cases of West Nile Virus Found Nearby

DUPAGE COUNTY - The DuPage County Health Department confirmed Tuesday that this year's second and third local, human cases of West Nile virus have been found in DuPage County.

Those afflicted are both women in their 40s. They reside in Naperville and Warrenville, according to an alert issued by the health department.

"While the risk of contracting the Zika Virus is in the forefront of the national news, West Nile Virus is more common in Illinois," department representatives said. "While the DuPage County Health Department has been preparing for both the Zika Virus and the West Nile Virus, it is the latter that is the immediate public health threat. "

As such, the DuPage County Health Department has increased the Personal Protection Index (PPI) to number three, which indicates that the risk is high. The PPI widget is found on the Health Department's website at www.dupagehealth.org/PPI and provides the most up-to-date information on WNV activity.

The Health Department recommends that residents continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites through the 4 Ds of Defense:

• Drain items that collect standing water around your home, yard or business.
• Defend by using an insect repellent that contains DEET when going outdoors.
• Dawn To Dusk. Wear repellent during the prime time of Dawn to Dusk for mosquitos
• Dress with long sleeves and pants to cover your skin.

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).

DuPage has had three West Nile Virus cases in less than a week. WNV activity generally decreases in the fall once cooler temperatures arrive and especially after the first frost of the season.

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