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First human case of West Nile virus in Lake County in 2018

A Waukegan woman in her 60s has been infected with the first human case of West Nile virus reported in Lake County in 2018, the Lake County Health Department said Friday.

The woman became stricken with the virus in mid-August, officials said in a news release. Her condition is unknown at this time.

Officials said 61 batches of mosquitoes and two birds have tested positive for West Nile virus this year. Since 2002, there have been 66 human cases of West Nile virus in Lake County that have resulted in two deaths.

"Take precautions to protect yourself from mosquito bites and West Nile virus," said Mark Pfister, the health department's executive director. "Even though the weather is getting cooler, mosquitoes will remain active until the first hard frost."

Most people infected with the virus may become ill up to 15 days after a bite from an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle ache. Some individuals could suffer severe illness, including meningitis, encephalitis or death.

People older than 50 and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus, officials said.

People are urged to protect themselves from mosquitoes by draining standing water from items around their house, yard, and business; use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, 2-undecanone, or IR3535; use repellent all day and night; and dress with long sleeves, pants, and closed toe shoes when outdoors.

People can find more information at FightTheBiteNow.com, or call the health department's West Nile virus hotline at (847) 377-8300 to report areas of stagnant water, report locations of dead birds, and obtain information on the signs and symptoms of the virus.

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