The Illinois Department of Public Health is confirming the first West Nile Virus-related human death this year. The patient, who became ill earlier this month is over 65 years old and from LaSalle County. Public Health Spokesperson Melaney Arnold says in 2017, the first human death wasn’t reported until the end of September.
Arnold reminds that the risk of West Nile virus isn’t over until the first hard frost. You can protect yourself from being bitten by an infected mosquito by wearing a repellent that contains DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or Picaridin.