Shelby County has now confirmed its first known human case of West Nile Virus in 2026… and it proved to be fatal for an 86 year old man who passed away on September 11th.
The Shelby County Health Department formally announced his death this week, stating that the fight with the virus contributed to his unfortunate passing. The unidentified man’s case of West Nile Virus is currently the only confirmed human case in Shelby County this year, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Two other cases have been reported in Central Illinois, one each in Piatt and Cumberland Counties. It is estimated that just over 100 people die yearly from contracting the virus.
West Nile Virus is carried by mosquitoes, and while the vast majority of people who contract it (around 80 percent) never develop any symptoms at all, about one in five will experience what’s known as “West Nile Fever.” That can of course include a fever but also headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. The real concern is the small percentage, fewer than one percent of infected individuals, who develop severe neurological complications like encephalitis or meningitis, which can be fatal. People over the age of 60 and those with underlying health conditions face a significantly higher risk of those more serious outcomes.
Health officials are urging residents to follow what they call the three ‘R’s’ when it comes to prevention. First, reduce exposure by eliminating standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed and making sure your window and door screens are in good shape. Second, repel mosquitoes by using insect repellant when outdoors or wearing long sleeves and pants. Third, restrict outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours, those times typically are dawn to dusk, when you’ll see those mosquitoes are most active.
If you or someone you know experiences a sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, or confusion, seek medical attention immediately especially if mosquito bites are in the mix!
Comments