Two northern Illinois residents have become the first individuals in the state to die from West Nile virus this year.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the victims were diagnosed with the virus in late-August and early September. Their names were not released.
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck says a cooler and wetter summer has resulted in less West Nile virus activity, but the threat is still there.
"Even with the cooler temperatures we're seeing now, until the first hard freeze, you still need to protect yourself against mosquito bites and possible West Nile virus infection," Hasbrouck said.
Fifteen human cases have been reported in Illinois this year, compared to a total of 117 people in all of 2013.
West Nile virus is transmitted through a bite from a mosquito that has been feeding on an infected bird.
The IDPH web site offers a list of common West Nile virus symptoms and ways to prevent contracting it.
