By Nick Gale, WLS-AM 890 News
(KANKAKEE, Ill.) — A resident of Kankakee is the first West Nile related death for 2017.
The Illinois Department of Public Health says the patient tested positive for West Nile and died earlier this month. Most people infected won’t suffer with any problems, but for those with a weakened immune system, there are higher risks. The same goes for the elderly.
So far this year, West Nile numbers are down. The virus has been detected in 53 counties across the state and so far 37 human cases have been reported. Last year there were 155 human cases including six deaths.
Health officials warn that until the first couple of frosts, people should continue to protect themselves against West Nile by wearing mosquito replant.
Copyright 2017 WLS-AM News
