Bolingbrook Woman Diagnosed with West Nile Virus

A Bolingbrook woman in her mid-50s has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus, according to the Will County Health Department. 

She was hospitalized September 1, two days after reporting fever, headaches, vomiting, and visual complaint. She was discharged from hospital September 6, and her illness has been classified as West Nile Virus fever.

Two human cases—one in Bolingbrook and one in Crest Hill—were reported Tuesday. That brings Will County's West Nile Virus count to three. 

A Romeoville woman was diagnosed with West Nile Virus last month. She is in her early 40s and reportedly experienced a range of symptoms, including a fever, stiff neck, rash, acute sensitivity to light and confusion. She was hospitalized Aug. 7 and discharged Aug. 15. 

A Crest Hill man in his late 60s was hospitalized August 26, three days after reporting head aches, fever, a rash, back pain, confusion, and an altered mental state. He was discharged from hospital August 30, and his illness is classified as West Nile Virus encephalitis.

No additional information about the new confirmations is available. 

In DuPage County the number of West Nile Virus human cases is now up to 19, the DuPage County Health Department announced Wednesday. Those affected by WNV are in their 20s-70s, and are located in Addison, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville, Villa Park and Westmont. Two of the 19 cases resulted in fatalities related to WNV infection.

Through September 17, 95 Illinois residents had been confirmed as WNV-positive. The 2012 Illinois case count represents an increase of more than 179 percent over 2011 levels.

Nationally, human WNV cases are up more than 270 percent over 2011 levels, and fatalities have increased by more than 174 percent. Six states (including Michigan), have accounted for nearly 67 percent of the national case count.

Moderating temperatures and increased precipitation will help to reduce local WNV activity levels, but the Health Department reminds area residents that mosquito-borne activity will remain a threat until the first hard frost.

Insect repellent containing DEET, or other chemical compounds that deter mosquitoes, are still highly recommended. Mosquitoes that typically carry WNV are a threat any time, but are most active from dusk to early dawn.

READ MORE: 

• Woodridge Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus
• Cases of West Nile Virus in Chicago's Suburbs
  
• Will County's First Human Case of West Nile Reported in Romeoville
• Downers Grove Woman Diagnosed with West Nile Virus
• Bolingbrook a 'Continuing West Nile Virus Hot Spot'