Another suburban public official has tested positive for the West Nile virus.
Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton, 60, expects to make a full recovery after contracting the mosquito-transmitted virus.
Sexton said in a statement he hopes to return to village board meetings “at the earliest possible time.” He reminded residents to "be vigilant of this disease."
Sexton's diagnosis Monday follows the death of Lombard Village President William J. "Bill" Mueller on Saturday from complications caused by West Nile.
Mueller was hospitalized Aug. 5 in his battle against cancer, and doctors discovered last week he also had the virus. “He was truly an activist for the people of Lombard,” said Lombard Village Clerk Brigitte O’Brien.
As the United States continues battling the virus, more and more cases are popping up in Illinois. Authorities from the DuPage County Health Department confirmed last week a Downers Grove woman in her 50s was the first person in the county to test positive.
A 74-year-old Glenview man contracted the virus and began showing symptoms July 31.
The health department recommends wearing bug spray to keep mosquitoes away and consider wearing long sleeves and pants after sunset.
Last year 34 Illinois residents contracted West Nile and three died.
