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West Nile Virus Kills LaSalle County Resident

flickr/vibrant spirit

A 65-year-old LaSalle County resident has died from the West Nile virus, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. This is the first human death related to the virus reported in 2018. 

The virus is transmitted through mosquito bites and, in addition to people, has been found in birds, mosquitos and horses in 58 counties this year. Currently, the department reports 22 human cases. 

"Although we're moving toward the end of summer, West Nile Virus remains a risk until the first hard frost," said IDPH Director Nirav Shah in a press release. "It's important for everyone to continue taking precautions like using insect repellent, wearing long sleeve shirts and pants, and staying indoors between dusk and dawn." 

The most common symptoms associated with the virus are nausea, muscle aches, headache, and fever, but four out of five people will not experience any symptoms at all, according to the department's website.  

Last year there were eight deaths related to West Nile Virus. The first death was reported September 29, 2017. 

Jaclyn has an MA in Journalism from DePaul University and a BS in History form Monmouth College. Prior to reporting, Jaclyn was a social science teacher and department chair at Greenfield High School. Previously, Jaclyn reported for WICS Newschannel 20 where she covered a variety of assignments including courts, politics, and breaking news. She also reported at Siouxland News in Sioux City Iowa, the shared CBS/Fox television newsroom. Her internships included WGN and Comcast SportsNet in Chicago.